03/19/2026
The Buttermilk Fire began on County Road 179 Wednesday, March 18, and is estimated to be 10 percent contained.
The last air mapping estimated that the fire has consumed approximately 60 acres. An evacuation order is in place for all within 2 miles of the fire. The Incident Commander is WMFPD Chief Jeremiah Coleman.
A priority of initial response efforts was protecting life and structures. The Sheriff's deputies and posse members knocked on doors to make sure all in the area were evacuated. 98 structures are located within the evacuation zone, and all remain standing at this writing.
Investigators from the Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) are looking into the cause of the fire.
Four aircraft assisted in Wednesday’s firefighting efforts along with 75 ground crew members and 25 Sheriff's Deputies and Posse members. Everyone is asked to stay away from this area.
The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club and the Custer County Fairgrounds remain evacuation options for livestock and small animals. Please contact Custer County Extension by text at 503-979-1151, if you need livestock or small animal evacuation assistance.
Special thanks to our partners: Custer County Road and Bridge, Salida, Ark Valley, Howard, and Wetmore Fire Department. BLM, USFS, DFPC, and Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management and others.
Many have reached out wanting to give or help in some way. At this time, the first responders and emergency service providers are unable to receive material donations. If you would like to donate funds for upcoming needs, you can donate by check payable to Wet Mountain Auxiliary, PO Box 337, Westcliffe, CO 81252.
The next update will be Thursday, March 19 at 10:00am at the Search and Rescue (SAR) Building in Westcliffe.
Thank you for supporting your community, your neighbors, and your first responders.
