ModerateWildfireActiveNIFC

Gold Mountain Fire

Ouray County · Started Jun 29, 2026 at 7:41 PM · Updated 38m ago

39,744acres

92%contained

79personnel

Under reviewcause

Jun 27discovered

Mapped perimeter as of Aug 29 from the National Interagency Fire Center

About this incident

The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command again on August 9th, 2026 of both the Gold Mountain and Elk Fires following a coordinated planned transition. On August 22nd, 2026 Crawford Incident Management Team Type 3 assumed command.

Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire.

Evacuation status

No evacuation zones have been published for this incident. For evacuation notices, follow your county sheriff or look up your zone:

Check your zone

Updates

27 · newest first

10h ago · Aug 30, 2026, 7:05 PM
Containment on the Gold Mountain Fire reaches 92 percent
Containment improved from 87 to 92 percent. 39,744 acres, 92 percent contained, 79 personnel assigned.
yesterday · Aug 29, 2026, 9:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command again on August 9th, 2026 of both the Gold Mountain and Elk Fires following a coordinated planned transition. On August 22nd, 2026 Crawford Incident Management Team Type 3 assumed command.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire.
3d ago · Aug 27, 2026, 9:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command again on August 9th, 2026 of both the Gold Mountain and Elk Fires following a coordinated planned transition. On August 22nd, 2026 Crawford Incident Management Team Type 3 assumed command.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire.
Aug 23, 2026, 9:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command again on August 9th, 2026 of both the Gold Mountain and Elk Fires following a coordinated planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Aug 14, 2026, 5:07 PM
Evacuation orders for the Gold Mountain Fire
Evacuation orders are in effect. 4 zones at Evacuate status. If your zone is set to Evacuate, leave now and follow your county sheriff's instructions.
Aug 10, 2026, 6:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command again on August 9th, 2026 of both the Gold Mountain and Elk Fires following a coordinated planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Aug 4, 2026, 6:05 PM
Containment on the Gold Mountain Fire reaches 89 percent
Containment improved from 72 to 89 percent. 39,507 acres, 89 percent contained, 300 personnel assigned.
Aug 3, 2026, 6:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Aug 3, 2026, 9:07 AM
Evacuation orders for the Gold Mountain Fire
Evacuation orders are in effect. 2 zones at Evacuate status. If your zone is set to Evacuate, leave now and follow your county sheriff's instructions.
Aug 1, 2026, 6:05 PM
Containment on the Gold Mountain Fire reaches 72 percent
Containment improved from 67 to 72 percent. 39,506 acres, 72 percent contained, 398 personnel assigned.
Jul 28, 2026, 9:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Jul 28, 2026, 6:06 PM
Containment on the Gold Mountain Fire reaches 59 percent
Containment improved from 50 to 59 percent. 39,506 acres, 59 percent contained, 621 personnel assigned.
Jul 28, 2026, 12:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Jul 27, 2026, 7:06 PM
Containment on the Gold Mountain Fire reaches 50 percent
Containment improved from 37 to 50 percent. 39,506 acres, 50 percent contained, 633 personnel assigned.
Jul 27, 2026, 4:07 PM
Evacuation orders for the Gold Mountain Fire
Evacuation orders are in effect. 1 zone at Evacuate status. If your zone is set to Evacuate, leave now and follow your county sheriff's instructions.
Jul 25, 2026, 6:05 PM
Containment on the Gold Mountain Fire reaches 37 percent
Containment improved from 27 to 37 percent. 38,063 acres, 37 percent contained, 670 personnel assigned.
Jul 25, 2026, 12:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14,2026 following a coordinated, planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Jul 24, 2026, 12:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14,2026 following a coordinated, planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although
thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Jul 22, 2026, 12:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14 following a coordinated, planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although
thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Jul 22, 2026, 11:37 AM
Evacuation orders for the Gold Mountain Fire
Evacuation orders are in effect. 3 zones at Evacuate status. If your zone is set to Evacuate, leave now and follow your county sheriff's instructions.
Jul 21, 2026, 9:17 AM
Evacuation orders for the Gold Mountain Fire
Evacuation orders are in effect. 5 zones at Evacuate status. If your zone is set to Evacuate, leave now and follow your county sheriff's instructions.
Jul 21, 2026, 1:05 AM
Containment on the Gold Mountain Fire reaches 24 percent
Containment improved from 13 to 24 percent. 38,009 acres, 24 percent contained, 909 personnel assigned.
Jul 18, 2026, 6:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm. Red Flag Weather Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14 following a coordinated, planned transition.
Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir.
Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although
thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.
Jul 16, 2026, 5:31 PM
Evacuation orders for the Gold Mountain Fire
Evacuation orders are in effect. 6 zones at Evacuate status. If your zone is set to Evacuate, leave now and follow your county sheriff's instructions.
Jul 16, 2026, 4:24 PM
Gold Mountain Fire remains active
The national incident system reports this fire as active. 37,259 acres, 11 percent contained, 929 personnel assigned.
Jul 8, 2026, 1:30 AM
Fire resolved: Gold Mountain Fire
This fire has not been updated in 7 days and has been marked as resolved.
Jul 1, 2026, 7:31 AM
Update for wildfire: Gold Mountain Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm.
Severity: critical

Size, containment, and perimeter come from the National Interagency Fire Center. Narrative comes from InciWeb. For life-threatening emergencies call 911.