Western Colorado Regional Dispatch Center

08/26/2026

Gold Mountain Fire Update. August 26, 2026.

Fire Update – Gold Mountain Fire
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – 8:00 a.m.

Crawford Incident Management Team Type 3
Incident Commanders Colby Crawford and Theo Engel (trainee)

Information Phone: 970-355-3286
Email: [email protected]

Size: 39,718 acres | Containment: 87% | Cause: Undetermined | Start Date: June 27, 2026 @ 5:33 p.m. | Location: Approx. 2 miles NE of Ouray, CO | Total Personnel: 86

Closure Order Update: The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have reduced or lifted fire-related closures associated with the Gold Mountain and Elk fires. Residents and visitors should review current closure maps before traveling, as some locations adjacent to reopened areas may still be closed.

Forest Service: The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests have reduced closure areas, reopening destinations including Nellie Creek Road and Trailhead, Uncompahgre Peak, Wetterhorn Peak, and Matterhorn Peak. Review the current closure order and map for the most accurate information on open and closed areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/alerts/gold-mountain-and-elk-wildfires-area-closure-order-v-30

BLM: The BLM Uncompahgre Field Office terminated the remaining emergency closure associated with the Gold Mountain Fire closure, while the Gunnison Field Office has reduced its closure area in Ouray and Hinsdale counties. Review current BLM closure information and maps for the most accurate boundaries: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-adjusts-fire-related-closures-gunnison-and-uncompahgre-field-offices

Current Situation: Crews extended direct fireline along the east side of the Middle Fork, beginning where a previously installed hose lay ended. This work helps secure the fire’s edge and reduce the potential for spread.

Firefighters also hiked into the East Fork area to address an interior smoke, using hand tools and chainsaws to break apart larger fuels and extinguish remaining heat. Tomorrow, fire managers plan to use an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to check for any remaining heat outside the fire perimeter.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Fire activity remains minimal, although interior pockets of unburned vegetation and heavy fuels will continue to produce visible smoke. Daily thunderstorms are expected through midweek, with gusty outflow winds. A gradual warming and drying trend is expected later in the week.

For More Information:
Information Phone: 970-355-3286
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldMountainFire
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/cogmf-gold-mountain-fire

Phoot of hot spot in heavy fuels, courtesy of the Gold Mountain Fire

08/26/2026

This is a great opportunity to learn about impersonation scans and what you can do to prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud.

Join Montrose Police Department's very own Detective Andrew Bradnock alongside Robin Gale, Timberline Bank’s Risk Management Officer for an informative webinar about Impersonation Scams and how to protect yourself against them.

Webinar Title: Impersonation Scams: How Criminals Gain Trust and Commit Fraud
What you'll Learn: How to recognize common scams, and how to protect yourself and your finances. There will also be time for a live Q&A.
Date and Time: Thursday August 27 2026, 1:00–1:45 PM
Location: Online
Register today: https://na2.hubs.ly/H07mlm40

This webinar is part of Timberline Bank's Insights series, and is open to everyone.

08/12/2026

Gold Mountain fire update.

08/12/2026

BAER team is evaluating the soil for the Gold Mountain burn scar. Read more below to learn about why.

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

Damaged from the flash flooding in Ouray County

July 30, 2026 - Flooding and Debris Flow Update
The large flash flood incident that occurred on Wednesday, July 29, in Ouray County resulted in a number of large mudslide and debris flows, specifically the Cutler and Dexter Creek Drainage areas and the nearby neighborhood of Ponderosa Village on the east side of Hwy 550. Multiple residential structures were damaged during the debris flow but no injuries have been reported.

Damage assessment crews are onsite today and re-entry planning is pending for voluntary evacuation areas. Property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance companies and contractors following re-entry. The County will schedule a community town-hall event when available.

We encourage any individuals affected by the debris flow to visit our 2026 Ouray County Flood Resources and Information webpage on our county website ouraycountyco.gov

While the monsoon season continues, there will likely be additional days of excessive rain in our county and over the Gold Mountain Burn Scar area. The National Weather Service has been issuing multiple flood advisories and warnings recently and we want to remind our community members and visitors to please be alert and heed these alerts when they are issued. A good rule of thumb is: If you can look uphill from where you are and see a burnt-out area, you are at risk. A wildfire will leave some lasting effects on the landscape, both in the immediate area and locations that may be several miles away. Locations downhill and downstream from burned areas are very susceptible to Flash Flooding and Debris Flows, especially near steep terrain. Rainfall that would normally be absorbed will run off extremely quickly after wildfire, as burned soil can be as water repellant as pavement. As a result, much less rainfall is required to produce a flash flood.

And as a reminder, please signup for Ouray County Alerts: https://ouraycountyco.gov/434/Emergency-Notifications

Please keep our community members and first responders in your thoughts as we continue navigating this incident.

📷 Photo courtesy of Eric Foster of Ponderosa Village

07/31/2026

Firefighter Friday for MontroseFire District

🚒 Firefighter Friday 🚒

This week we welcomed home one crew and sent off another as Captain Ryan Sealock, Dominic Lovato and Austin Stone began their wildland assignment yesterday morning. Join us in wishing them a safe and strong couple weeks!

Have a safe weekend, Montrose.

07/31/2026

Red Mountain is Open

July 31 - Hwy 550 / Red Mtn Pass OPEN.
Ouray County Sheriff via CDOT

US Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray opened in both directions on Friday, July 31 at noon after severe flooding prompted an extended two-day closure of Red Mountain Pass. The Colorado Department of Transportation swiftly cleared slide paths from the road surface on Wednesday evening to allow safe passage for motorists who were stranded between debris flows. More extensive rock and mud removal operations along with roadway reinforcement and repairs continued through Friday morning.

Eight slide paths were cleared from the highway with multiple debris fields reported to be over four-feet tall, including the Brooklyns slide area. The Brooklyns are located approximately 5 miles north of Silverton where snow avalanches frequently hit the highway in the winter.

As monsoon storm patterns continue across the region, motorists are urged to stop, turn around or safely pull over if they see mud, rocks or water flowing onto the highway. Rain falling miles away can trigger rapid mudslides or rockfalls downhill without warning. Recent wildfire areas are especially prone to flooding hazards.

Travelers are reminded of 24/7 alternating traffic and up to 20-minute delays at an ongoing retaining wall and tunnel repair project between Ouray and Ironton. Work is anticipated to be complete in September 2026. Learn more: codot.gov/projects/us550walltunnelrepairs

Motorists are encouraged to check current road conditions and traffic impacts on COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app.

Flood safety reminders for motorists
- "Turn around, don't drown." Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or standing water. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car, and the road surface beneath may be completely washed away.
- Beware of burn scars and canyon roads. Rain falling miles away can trigger rapid mudslides or rockfalls downhill without warning. If you see mud, rocks, or water flowing onto the highway, stop or safely pull over before reaching the flow area.
- Reduce speed and turn on headlights. Maintain extra stopping distance between vehicles. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 MPH on wet pavement.
- Avoid cruise control. Using cruise control on wet or slick pavement makes it harder to react to a sudden loss of traction.
- Avoid stopping under overpasses or unstable slopes. If trapped by rising water or a debris slide, stay inside your vehicle if it is safe to do so, or move immediately to higher ground if water begins entering the cabin.
- Watch for lightning at higher elevations. Pull over safely if visibility drops sharply during a storm

07/31/2026

Thanks to Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, for visiting Ouray County today and stopping by to visit with some of our first responders. We appreciate your support.