Colorado Fires

## Daily Wildfire Report for Colorado - July 28, 2025

### Overview

Colorado is currently experiencing elevated fire weather conditions, particularly in the western and southwestern parts of the state. Dry fuels, high temperatures, and gusty winds are contributing to increased wildfire risk across several regions. The National Preparedness Level for the region is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but the conditions suggest a heightened alert.

### Current Situation

**Fire Activity:**
Over the past 72 hours, several new wildfires have ignited, with the **Elkhorn Fire** and the **Rim Road Fire** in southwest Colorado being the most significant recent events. Both fires started on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and have led to evacuations. The Elkhorn Fire, located approximately 13 miles north of Durango, has burned about 145 acres with no reported containment. The Rim Road Fire is burning within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, and details on its size and containment are still emerging.

Additionally, the **Kinikin Fire** in Montrose County, which started recently, prompted a temporary closure of U.S. Highway 50. This fire burned approximately 15 acres, and crews are working on mop-up operations and repairing damaged power poles.

**Key Fires:**
* **Elkhorn Fire:** Located near Durango, southwest Colorado. Started July 26, 2025. Approximately 145 acres, 0% contained.
* **Rim Road Fire:** Southern Ute Indian Reservation, southwest Colorado. Started July 26, 2025. Details on size and containment are still being reported.
* **Kinikin Fire:** Montrose County. Burned approximately 15 acres. Crews are in the mop-up phase.

**Fuels:** The general conditions across the West, including Colorado, indicate dry fuels are present, making them susceptible to ignition and rapid spread. Specific fuel types for the recently active fires are not detailed in the provided information.

### Prescribed Burns and Land Management

Colorado has been proactive in utilizing prescribed burns as a land management tool to reduce hazardous fuel loads. A new state law aims to provide financial protection for trained individuals conducting prescribed burns, addressing liability concerns that have previously been a barrier. While specific prescribed burn activities in the last 72 hours are not detailed, these operations are a key component of the state's wildfire mitigation strategy.

### Weather and Wind Warnings

**Current Weather:** Scattered showers and humidity are present in northern Arizona, aiding firefighting efforts. However, much of Colorado is experiencing hot and dry conditions.

**Forecasted Weather & Warnings:**
* **Red Flag Warnings:** Red Flag Warnings have been in effect for much of western Colorado, including areas around Craig, Grand Junction, Durango, Aspen, and Vail, through Sunday evening. These warnings highlight conditions of gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels, indicating a high risk of extreme fire behavior. Fire weather zones in southwest Colorado, the Paradox Valley, North Fork, and Gunnison Basin were particularly at risk.
* **Temperatures:** Temperatures are expected to be hot, with highs in the 90s across the Plains and upper 80s in the Foothills on Monday. Near-record highs are possible in some areas.
* **Winds:** Gusty winds are a significant concern, with forecasts indicating winds between 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph in parts of the mountains and southwest Colorado over the weekend. Southwest winds of 5-10 mph are expected, increasing to 10-15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph on Monday.
* **Monsoon Moisture:** While the western half of the state is dry, there is a chance for isolated afternoon storms in the mountains and eastern plains, with some potential for severe storms in the far northeast corner. Moisture is expected to return mid to late week, with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms, which could bring much-needed relief.

### Recommendations

* **Public Awareness:** Residents are urged to be aware of Red Flag Warnings and the associated high fire danger. It is crucial to adhere to all fire restrictions, which are in place in many areas, particularly on the Western Slope and in the high country.
* **Fire Restrictions:** Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for numerous counties and National Forests, including Eagle, Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Pitkin, Mesa, Summit, Moffat, Elbert, Montezuma, La Plata, and Montrose counties, as well as the White River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District. These restrictions generally prohibit campfires outside of designated fire grates, smoking in non-cleared areas, and the use of fireworks.

### Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
* **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn](https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn)
* **Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control:** [cdps.colorado.gov/fire-prevention-and-control](https://cdps.colorado.gov/fire-prevention-and-control)
* **West Slope Fire Info:** [www.westslopefireinfo.com](http://www.westslopefireinfo.com) (for county and federal land fire restrictions)
* **La Plata County Emergency Information:** [www.laplatacounty.org](https://www.laplatacounty.org) (for evacuation information)

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.

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