Colorado Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Colorado - August 11, 2026

Overview

Colorado is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to extreme drought conditions, high temperatures, and low humidity across the state. These conditions have critically dried out grasses, brush, and heavy timber, creating a volatile environment where even a small spark can rapidly spread. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is elevated, indicating that national and regional resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Colorado, and significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas, requiring national support to manage incident objectives. The potential for new significant wildfires to start in the next several days remains above normal for this time of year. Firefighters are working to contain these fires while also preparing for potential new starts.

Key Fires:
Aspen Acres Fire: Located 10 miles northwest of Rye in Custer and Pueblo counties, this human-caused fire is currently the largest active fire in the state at 101,965 acres and is 72% contained. Fueled by heavy timber, dead brush, and critically dry vegetation, the fire has destroyed over 850 structures and prompted the evacuation of roughly 3,800 homes. Crews are focusing on securing the uncontained fireline, mopping up hotspots, and conducting suppression repair.

Ferris Fire: Located in the Glade Area north of Dolores, this lightning-caused fire has burned 64,881 acres and is currently 100% contained. It was primarily fueled by mixed conifer and dry brush.

Gold Mountain Fire: Located northeast of Ouray, this fire has burned 39,532 acres and is currently 90% contained. Firefighters continue to monitor the perimeter. The cause remains under investigation.

Willow Fire: Located northwest of the Leadville fish hatchery near the base of Mount Massive, this human-caused fire has burned 7,534 acres and is 67% contained.

Indian Creek Fire: This recently ignited fire in Jackson County near Kremmling has prompted mandatory evacuations for residents along County Road 53 and Forest Service Road 103. It is burning in extreme drought conditions and is being driven by gusty winds.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management agencies and local utilities are continuing strategic fuel mitigation projects, including efforts to bury power lines along Highway 93 to reduce ignition risks. Due to the extreme fire danger, numerous counties across the state have implemented strict Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans to prevent new human-caused starts.
Air Quality: All 64 counties in Colorado are currently under an Air Quality Alert due to wildfire smoke drifting from both local and out-of-state fires. Residents across the state, particularly in the Front Range Urban Corridor, should expect hazy skies, elevated ozone levels, and high concentrations of fine particulates.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Hot, dry, and windy conditions persist across much of the state. Relative humidity levels have dropped to between 13-17%, combining with wind gusts up to 35 mph to create the perfect ingredients for extreme fire behavior and fast fire spread.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the high country from noon to 7 p.m. today due to these critical fire weather conditions. However, a significant pattern shift is expected midweek. Deeper moisture is forecast to move into Colorado by Wednesday and Thursday, bringing cooler temperatures and widespread showers and thunderstorms. While this will aid firefighting efforts, it also brings a risk of flash flooding over recent burn scars.
Significant Events: A solemn memorial procession was held across the state this week, with flags lowered to half-staff to honor a fallen wildland firefighter who tragically lost his life due to injuries sustained while battling the Knowles Fire.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic, adhere to all mandatory evacuation orders (such as those for the Indian Creek Fire), and limit outdoor activities if sensitive to poor air quality. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions with heavily committed resources. Agencies are training for increased fire risk and conducting fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: dhsem.colorado.gov
Colorado State Forest Service: csfs.colostate.edu

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.