Colorado Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Colorado - July 12, 2026

Overview

Colorado is experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by a severe, ongoing drought, historically low snowpack levels, and persistent high temperatures. Approximately 93% of the state is currently experiencing drought conditions. These extreme dry spells, combined with heavy fuel accumulations—such as dropped pine needles from dying trees in previously burned areas—have created highly volatile situations for wildfires across the state. The current National Preparedness Level for the region remains high, as national and specialized resources are heavily committed to managing complex incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple major active fires burning across Colorado, requiring extensive national and regional support. Recent weeks have seen explosive fire growth due to critical fire weather, dry vegetation, and gusty winds. Firefighters are working aggressively to establish and reinforce containment lines, protect threatened communities, and manage evacuations, while also preparing for potential new lightning-caused starts.

Key Fires:
Aspen Acres Fire: Located in Pueblo and Custer counties, this human-caused fire is currently the largest in the state and the seventh largest in Colorado history. It has burned 97,504 acres and is 34% contained. Fueled by extremely dry vegetation and heavy timber, the wind-driven fire has exhibited extreme behavior, destroying over 780 structures. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for several communities, including Beulah and Colorado City. A complex incident management team from Alaska has assumed command of the fire.

Ferris Fire: Burning in the San Juan National Forest in Dolores and Montezuma counties, this lightning-caused fire has scorched 63,271 acres and is 19% contained. It is burning through critically dry pinyon, juniper, pine, ponderosa, and oak. The fire has exhibited extreme behavior, moving rim-to-rim through the Dolores River Canyon. Level 3 "GO" evacuation orders remain in effect for surrounding areas like Bradfield Campground and Glade Ranch.

Gold Mountain Fire: Located northeast of Ouray in Ouray County, this fire has consumed over 33,185 acres and is currently 7% contained. Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Gunnison County as the fire extends north. Hundreds of personnel are actively engaged in suppression efforts in steep, rugged terrain.

Snyder Fire: Located on Snyder Mesa in Mesa and Grand counties near the Utah border, this lightning-caused fire has burned 30,202 acres and is 98% contained. Tragically, three federal firefighters were killed and two were injured during a burnover incident in late June. Evacuation orders have been lifted as containment lines hold, and crews are focused on mop-up operations and protecting nearby communities.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger and high fuel volatility, prescribed burning operations have been halted across the state. Strict fire restrictions and burn bans have been implemented statewide. Numerous counties and local municipalities have enacted Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions, prohibiting open burning, campfires outside of designated areas, and the use of personal fireworks.
Air Quality: Smoke from the active wildfires in Colorado, as well as neighboring states, is spreading across the region and impacting air quality. Residents in areas downwind of the Aspen Acres, Gold Mountain, and Ferris fires should be aware of poor air quality and use caution, particularly in the mornings before daytime heating improves smoke dispersal.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: High pressure is moving overhead, bringing very hot temperatures ranging from 93 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit to lower elevations. While recent scattered moisture on the Western Slope provided brief relief, humidity levels are dropping rapidly to between 3% and 15% across much of the state.
Forecasted Weather: Critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist or worsen over the next 72 hours. A strong drying trend will continue, with localized wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph expected, particularly in the Four Corners region and higher terrain. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible, but they carry the risk of dry lightning and erratic, gusty winds that could fan existing flames or spark new fires.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic, changing evacuation orders, and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, know your evacuation routes, and clear defensible space around your property—especially by removing dead brush and dry pine needles—to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging, hot, and dry conditions. Agencies are continuously training for increased fire risk and relying on specialized incident management teams to handle the scale and complexity of the current blazes.

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.