ModerateWildfireActiveNIFC

Elk Fire

Hinsdale County · Started Jul 12, 2026 at 12:13 PM · Updated 53m ago

250acres

0%contained

374personnel

Under reviewcause

Jul 9discovered

Mapped perimeter as of Jul 21 from the National Interagency Fire Center

About this incident

The 2026 Elk Fire started by lighting on 7-9-2026. The fire continues to burn in remote, rugged wilderness terrain where steep slopes, limited access, and complex terrain present significant risks to firefighters. Because of these conditions, firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics around the perimeter, allowing crew to work safely while establishing a secure containment footprint. Crews are leveraging natural barriers, roads, and strategic landscape features to build firelines and protect values at risk. Firefighter safety remains the top priority.

Evacuation status

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

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Updates

9 · newest first

6h ago · Jul 22, 2026, 8:05 PM
Elk Fire mapped size revised to 250 acres
Better mapping revised the fire size from 2,307 to 250 acres. 250 acres, 0 percent contained, 374 personnel assigned.
4d ago · Jul 18, 2026, 3:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Elk Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The 2026 Elk Fire started by lighting on 7-9-2026. The fire continues to burn in remote, rugged wilderness terrain where steep slopes, limited access, and complex terrain present significant risks to firefighters. Because of these conditions, firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics around the perimeter, allowing crew to work safely while establishing a secure containment footprint. Crews are leveraging natural barriers, roads, and strategic landscape features to build firelines and protect values at risk. Firefighter safety remains the top priority.
5d ago · Jul 18, 2026, 1:05 AM
Elk Fire grows to 2,199 acres
Mapped size increased from 250 to 2,199 acres. 2,199 acres, 0 percent contained, 294 personnel assigned.
5d ago · Jul 17, 2026, 3:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Elk Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The 2026 Elk Fire started by lighting on 7-9-2026. The fire continues to burn in remote, ruggged wilderness terrain with no safe ground access and high risk associated with emergency extraction or medical evacuation. Because of these conditions, firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics around the perimeter, allowing crew to work safely while establishing a secure containment footprint. Crews are leveraging natural barriers, roads, and strategic landscape features to build firelines and protect values at risk. Firefighter safety remains the top priority.
6d ago · Jul 16, 2026, 8:05 PM
Elk Fire mapped size revised to 250 acres
Better mapping revised the fire size from 2,199 to 250 acres. 250 acres, 0 percent contained, 280 personnel assigned.
6d ago · Jul 16, 2026, 5:43 PM
Elk Fire grows to 2,199 acres
Mapped size increased from 250 to 2,199 acres. 2,199 acres, 0 percent contained, 280 personnel assigned.
6d ago · Jul 16, 2026, 3:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Elk Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Elk Fire, located north of Lake City, Colorado, has burned 1,980 acres in the Uncompahgre Wilderness and remains 0% contained. The incident is being managed by the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1.

As the Elk Fire continues to grow in complexity, management of the incident will transition from the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1 to the Northwest Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 8 today at 6:30 p.m. This transition brings additional personnel, planning capacity, and operational support to help manage the incident safely and effectively. The incoming team will build on the work already completed while providing additional resources and support for continued suppression efforts.

Severity: danger
Jul 16, 2026, 12:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Elk Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Elk Fire, located north of Lake City, Colorado, has burned 574
•acres in the Uncompahgre Wilderness and remains 0% contained. The incident is being managed by the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1.

*Updated acreage is not available at this time. A requested high-elevation infrared (IR) flight has been unable to be completed for the past three days due to aircraft availability and weather conditions. Today, a Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) is expected to complete an infrared flight, providing updated mapping information and a more accurate estimate of fire size. That information will be shared as soon as it’s available.

Severity: danger
Jul 15, 2026, 11:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Elk Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Elk Fire, located north of Lake City, Colorado, has burned 574
•acres in the Uncompahgre Wilderness and remains 0% contained. The incident is being managed by the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1.

*Updated acreage is not available at this time. A requested high-elevation infrared (IR) flight has been unable to be completed for the past three days due to aircraft availability and weather conditions. Today, a Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) is expected to complete an infrared flight, providing updated mapping information and a more accurate estimate of fire size. That information will be shared as soon as it’s available.

Severity: warning

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