Pitkin County Sheriff's Office

09/15/2026

Over the past 24 hours, Pitkin County has experienced several mudslides in the Crystal Valley and Maroon Creek Valley. While damage from these mudslides has been minimal, the danger they create is very real. Please do not attempt to cross a debris flow path or an elevated creek. If you are in an area of heavy rain and encounter an active debris flow or a creek going beyond its banks, move away from the impacted area and wait for the rain to stop and flows to decrease. Pitkin County Engineering/Road and Bridge, Colorado Department of Transportation, and U.S. Forest Service - White River National Forest are working to clear these debris flows as quickly and safely as they can, so please be patient and know they will get you through as soon as practical.

We know we are forecast to get more rain throughout the week, so please watch your local weather and follow forecasts from the US National Weather Service Grand Junction Colorado, for the latest alerts and warnings.

Please follow Pitkin County Government and subscribe to Pitkin County Alerts on the ReachWell app for the latest road closures and public safety information.

09/04/2026

**PRESS RELEASE**

Maroon Bells Overdue Climber and Recovery Operation
Date of Incident: September 2, 2026
Case Number:

Pitkin County, Colorado – On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an overdue climber believed to be in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The subject’s intended route and itinerary were not initially known.
After further investigation, information and notes were discovered in the subject’s rental vehicle related to climbing the Maroon Bells. Based on this information, Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) focused search efforts in the Maroon Bells area.

On the morning of Thursday, September 3rd, MRA coordinated with CareFlight of the Rockies to conduct an aerial search of the area. An MRA member accompanied the CareFlight crew to assist with the search. During the aerial search, the climber was located deceased and tentatively identified in very technical and difficult terrain to access.

Recovery is planned for Tuesday, September 8th. To safely perform recovery operations, the United States Forest Service has issued a closure of Maroon Peak. Please see the attached Forest Service notification. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts/maroon-peak-climbing-access-closed-sept-8

Confirmation and final identification of the climber will be conducted after the recovery is complete. The family of the missing climber has been notified.

Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office remind those traveling in the backcountry to leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted person before departing, including the intended route, expected return time, and contingency plans. Backcountry travelers should also carry appropriate equipment, be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions, and carry a reliable two-way satellite communication device when traveling in areas without cellular service.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all-volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen and CareFlight of the Rockies for their assistance with this mission.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
[email protected]
970-400-7276

[email protected]
970-429-3400

Link to official press release:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xDR2ViGMjs0VONSdOchKNfLEJT2IG5o3/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115332996474045507419&rtpof=true&sd=true

Press Release For Immediate Release Maroon Bells Overdue Climber and Recovery Operation Date of Incident: September 2, 2026 Case Number: Pitkin County, Colorado – On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an overdue climber believed to be i...

08/22/2026

Update on the Kittle Fire

08/21/2026

Thank you to all the firefighters, pilots, and support personnel who have worked so hard the past two days to limit the spread of a fire that had such great growth potential.

08/18/2026

🚌🎒As kids go back to school throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office would like to remind all drivers to-
⚠️SLOW DOWN,
🚗DRIVE SAFE,
👀WATCH FOR BUSES and CHILDREN.

06/28/2026

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office offers our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and teammates of these fallen firefighters. Our thoughts are also with the two other firefighters who were injured in the same burnover incident. For all those that remain on the line fighting the many fires across the west, stay safe.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is devastated to share that three wildland firefighters lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, as part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado-Utah border. Additionally, two crew members were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital.

Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service stands united with the USDA Forest Service in grief and in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Additional details will be shared as they are able to be released.

06/28/2026

🔥💨 We have received a number of calls about the sudden appearance of smoke throughout the valley this evening. The smoke you are seeing is from several new fires burning in southwestern Colorado and a few large fires burning in southern Utah. While we have had two small fires in Pitkin County following yesterday’s lightning strikes, they were both confined to single trees that were quickly extinguished by our local firefighters.

If you would like more information about the current wildfire smoke conditions in Colorado visit https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/?m=1

If you would like to view a nationwide air quality map showing how local, regional, and distant wildfires impact your air quality and health visit https://fire.airnow.gov

06/26/2026

🔥🔥🔥 Stage 2 Fire restrictions are now in effect in Pitkin County. It is imperative that we all follow the rules to avoid sparking a wildfire. Please follow all guidelines for Stage 2 and share these messages of fire safety with those around you. Together we can protect our beautiful valley and recreate and socialize safely in the outdoors. Learn more at www.pitkinemergency.com.

SPANISH:
Las prohibiciones de fuego de Etapa 2 están ahora en vigor en el Condado de Pitkin. Es imperativo que todos sigamos las reglas para evitar provocar un incendio forestal. Por favor, sigue todas las reglas de la Etapa 2 y comparte estos mensajes de seguridad contra incendios con quienes te rodean. Juntos podemos proteger nuestro hermoso valle y recrear y socializar de manera segura al aire libre. Obten más información en www.pitkinemergency.com.

06/25/2026

⚠️🔥Pitkin County Enacts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Effective 12:01am Friday June 26th / El Condado de Pitkin impone Restricciones de Incendio en Etapa 2 a partir de las 12:01 a.m. del viernes 26 de junio 🔥⚠️

PITKIN COUNTY, CO. (6/25/26) — Due to continued dry conditions, elevated fire danger, and increasing wildfire risk across the region, Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective 12:01am on June 26th. These additional restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires and help protect public safety, property, and natural resources throughout Pitkin County.

For more information, visit pitkinemergency.org, or for the press release, follow this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yNbRSB82M64RbcjIzH8aKgOWb-lgXcM_/view?usp=sharing

CONDADO DE PITKIN, CO. (25 de junio, 2026) — Debido a las condiciones secas continuas, el alto peligro de incendios y el aumento del riesgo de incendios forestales en toda la región, el Sheriff del Condado de Pitkin, Michael Buglione, implementó las Restricciones de Incendio en Etapa 2, efectivas a partir de las 12:01 a.m. del 26 de junio. Estas restricciones adicionales tienen como objetivo reducir la probabilidad de incendios forestales causados por actividades humanas y ayudar a proteger la seguridad pública, la propiedad y los recursos naturales en todo el Condado de Pitkin.

Para más información, visite pitkinemergency.org o, para consultar el comunicado de prensa, siga este enlace: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yNbRSB82M64RbcjIzH8aKgOWb-lgXcM_/view?usp=sharing

06/10/2026

Effective June 10 at 12:00 p.m., Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect throughout Pitkin County.

With hot, dry conditions increasing wildfire danger across our region, these restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our communities, public lands, and natural resources.

Under Stage 1 Restrictions:
- Fires are limited to designated fire grates, approved permanent fire pits, and gas-fueled devices.
- Fireworks and other spark-producing devices are prohibited.
- Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles, enclosed buildings, or developed urban areas free of flammable materials.

Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Please use extra caution when recreating, working, or spending time outdoors this summer. For current restrictions, preparedness resources, and emergency updates, visit pitkinemergency.org.



***

Restricciones de Incendio de Etapa 1 ya están vigentes dentro del Condado de Pitkin

Con condiciones calurosas y secas que aumentan el peligro de incendios forestales en toda nuestra región, estas restricciones ayudan a reducir el riesgo de incendios provocados por el ser humano y a proteger nuestras comunidades, tierras públicas y recursos naturales.

Bajo Restricciones de Etapa 1:
- Los fuegos están limitados a parrillas de fuego permanentes, en hogares aprobados y dispositivos alimentados por gas.
- Se prohíben los fuegos artificiales y otros dispositivos que produzcan chispas.
- Prohibido fumar fuera de vehículos, edificios o zonas urbanas desarrolladas que no estén libres de materiales inflamables.

La prevención de incendios forestales es una responsabilidad compartida. Por favor, tenga especial precaución al recrear, trabajar o pasar tiempo al aire libre este verano. Para conocer las restricciones actuales, recursos de preparación y actualizaciones de emergencias, visite pitkinemergency.org.