Fishhook Fire

Routt County · Started Jul 12, 2026 at 4:11 PM

309acres

100%contained

175personnel

Naturalcause

Jul 12discovered

Mapped perimeter as of Jul 23 from the National Interagency Fire Center

About this incident

An area closure for the surrounding Forest was updated on August 10, 2026. Please visit 'Alerts' within the Forest website for the most up-to-date information on Forest closures.

Website: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland

The wildfire is currently managed by the Routt National Forest as a Type V incident.

Updates

18 · newest first

Aug 10, 2026, 6:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
An area closure for the surrounding Forest was updated on August 10, 2026. Please visit 'Alerts' within the Forest website for the most up-to-date information on Forest closures.
Website: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland
The wildfire is currently managed by the Routt National Forest as a Type V incident.
Jul 27, 2026, 6:05 PM
Fishhook Fire declared out
Fire managers report this fire as out. Final mapped size 309 acres.
Jul 24, 2026, 6:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 will be transferring command back to a local Type 4 organization at 6:00 am on Saturday, July 25.
An area closure for the surrounding Forest was established on July 14, 2026. Please visit the Forest website for the most up to date information on Forest closures.
Jul 24, 2026, 12:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 will transfer command back to a local Type 4 organization at 6:00 am on Saturday, July 25.
An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established on July 14, 2026.
Jul 24, 2026, 9:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 will transfer command back to a local Type 4 organization at 6:00 am on Saturday, July 25.
Smoke may be visible in the Walton Creek drainage and surrounding areas today with the continuing fire activity. Residents can and members of the public can find detailed information and recommendations at Fire.Airnow.Gov.
An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established on July 14, 2026.
Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FishhookFire2026/
Jul 23, 2026, 6:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Crews continue to patrol all areas, engaging in mopup operations and reinforcing control lines.

Highlights:
Firefighters have established significant containment across all divisions. Due to decreased fire activity and favorable conditions, Southwest Incident Management Team 1 will transfer command back to the local unit at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 25
Smoke may be visible in the Walton Creek drainage and surrounding areas today with the continuing fire activity. Residents can and members of the public can find detailed information and recommendations at Fire.Airnow.Gov.
An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established on July 14, 2026.
Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FishhookFire2026/
Jul 23, 2026, 6:05 PM
Containment on the Fishhook Fire reaches 94 percent
Containment improved from 89 to 94 percent. 309 acres, 94 percent contained, 219 personnel assigned.
Jul 22, 2026, 8:05 PM
Containment on the Fishhook Fire reaches 89 percent
Containment improved from 58 to 89 percent. 309 acres, 89 percent contained, 307 personnel assigned.
Jul 21, 2026, 8:05 PM
Containment on the Fishhook Fire reaches 58 percent
Containment improved from 15 to 58 percent. 313 acres, 58 percent contained, 493 personnel assigned.
Jul 21, 2026, 1:05 AM
Containment on the Fishhook Fire reaches 15 percent
Containment improved from 8 to 15 percent. 313 acres, 15 percent contained, 547 personnel assigned.
Jul 19, 2026, 7:05 PM
Containment on the Fishhook Fire reaches 8 percent
Containment improved from 0 to 8 percent. 340 acres, 8 percent contained, 511 personnel assigned.
Jul 19, 2026, 6:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Crews Strengthen Control Lines with Support from Air Resources

Highlights:
Crews made progress through challenging terrain yesterday, continuing to build and reinforce control lines and manage small spot fires along the fire’s edge. Air and ground resources worked together to cool hotspots and gain access into mixed conifer stands and heavy dead and down fuels. Several divisions reported continued improvement in line construction and overall conditions. Work remains focused on strengthening lines and locating any remaining heat.
Smoke may be visible in the Walton Creek drainage and surrounding areas today with the continuing fire activity. Residents can and members of the public can find detailed information and recommendations at Fire.Airnow.Gov.
An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established on July 14, 2026.
Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FishhookFire2026/
Jul 17, 2026, 3:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Friday July 17, 2026. 347 Acres 0% contained
The Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 took command of the fire at 6:00 am today.
Moisture is moving into the area, bringing daily chances of thunderstorms through the remainder of the week. Outflow winds associated with thunderstorms are expected Friday and Saturday and may produce sudden changes in fire behavior. Today's forecast calls for temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees with southeast winds of 5–10 mph, gusting to 15 mph. This represents a shift in wind direction that could influence fire spread. Fuels remain critically dry as the area is experiencing the driest part of the fire season. The southeast wind may push the fire into previously unburned fuels, with the greatest potential for movement on the northern side of the fire. If fire activity increases, spotting could occur up to one-quarter mile ahead of the main fire.
Smoke may be visible in the Walton Creek drainage and surrounding areas today with the continuing fire activity. Residents can and members of the public can find detailed information and recommendations at Fire.Airnow.Gov.
An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established on July 14, 2026.
Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FishhookFire2026/
Jul 16, 2026, 11:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Thursday July 16, 2026. 347 Acres 0% contained
- The Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 will take command of the fire at 6:00 am on July 17th.
- Moisture moved into the area yesterday increasing relative humidity moderating fire activity.
- Chances for storms are about 10% Thursday, 15% Friday, and increasing through the weekend. Gusty winds from storms may increase fire activity.
- Fire is estimated less than a mile from Highway 40 on Rabbit Ears Pass and Highway 40 remains open
- Residents and travelers should expect to see smoke over the next several days.
- A mapping flight occurred last night and fire size has been verified at 347 acres.
- Acreage will be updated daily as verified by flights
- Approximately 132 personnel are assigned to the fire with additional overhead expertise to support the team. 
- Both aerial and ground resources are engaged with the fire
- Smoke should be expected in surrounding areas, especially down Walton Creek drainage in mornings
- An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established on July 14, 2026.
- Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
- Ski area information is available on their website 
- The Fishhook Fire was reported mid-day Sunday, July 12, 2026
- It is established at the head of Walton Creek
- Fire location is southeast of the ski resort, north of Highway 40 (Bruce's Trailhead)
- There was heavy initial aerial response from helicopters
- Ground access to the fire is difficult
Severity: warning
Jul 15, 2026, 7:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Wednesday 2:31 pm update, July 15, 2026
- The fire became active Tuesday afternoon wind shifts growing primarily north and east.
- Fire is estimated less than a mile from Highway 40 on Rabbit Ears Pass and Highway 40 remains open
- Residents and travelers should expect to see smoke over the next several days.
- A mapping flight occurred this afternoon and fire size has been verified at 333 acres. Additional flights have been ordered to monitor the growth of the fire as necessary.
- Over 110 personnel are assigned to the fire with additional overhead expertise to support the team.
- Both aerial and ground resources engaged with the fire
- Acreage will be updated daily as verified by flights
- Smoke should be expected in surrounding areas, especially down Walton Creek drainage in mornings
- A Complex incident management team has been ordered and will arrive in the coming days.
- An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established.
- Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
- Ski area information is available on their website
- The Fishhook Fire was reported mid-day Sunday, July 12, 2026
- It is established at the head of Walton Creek
- Fire location is southeast of the ski resort, north of Highway 40 (Bruce's Trailhead)
- There was heavy initial aerial response from helicopters
- Ground access to the fire is difficult
Severity: warning
Jul 15, 2026, 2:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Wednesday 0930 am update, July 15, 2026
- The fire became active Tuesday afternoon wind shifts growing primarily north and east.
- Fire is estimated less than a mile from Highway 40 on Rabbit Ears Pass and Highway 40 remains open
- Residents and travelers should expect to see smoke over the next several days.
- A mapping flight occurred this morning at 2:50 am and fire size has been verified at 259 acres. Additional flights have been ordered to monitor the growth of the fire as necessary.
- Over 110 personnel are assigned to the fire with additional overhead expertise to support the team.
- Both aerial and ground resources engaged with the fire
- Acreage will be updated daily as verified by flights
- Smoke should be expected in surrounding areas, especially down Walton Creek drainage in mornings
- A Complex incident management team has been ordered and will arrive in the coming days.
- An area closure for the surrounding Forest has been established.
- Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
- Ski area information is available on their website
- The Fishhook Fire was reported mid-day Sunday, July 12, 2026
- It is established at the head of Walton Creek
- Fire location is southeast of the ski resort, north of Highway 40 (Bruce's Trailhead)
- There was heavy initial aerial response from helicopters
- Ground access to the fire is difficult
Severity: warning
Jul 15, 2026, 1:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Tuesday 1030 am update, July 14, 2026
- The fire became active Monday afternoon growing primarily south.
- Fire remains over a mile from Highway 40 on Rabbit Ears Pass and Highway 40 is open
- Travelers should expect to see smoke over the next several days.
- A mapping flight occurred this morning at 2:50 am and fire size has been verified at 229 acres.
- Over 100 personnel are assigned to the fire
- Both aerial and ground resources engaged with the fire
- Acreage will be updated daily as verified by flights
- Smoke should be expected in surrounding areas, especially down Walton Creek drainage in mornings
- An incident management team has been ordered
- An area closure for the surrounding Forest will occur soon, but needs adjustments after yesterday's growth
- Pre-evacuation questions should be directed to Routt County Emergency Management, (970) 871-8444
- Ski area information is available on their website
- The Fishhook Fire was reported mid-day Sunday, July 12, 2026
- It is established at the head of Walton Creek
- Fire location is southeast of the ski resort, north of Highway 40 (Bruce's Trailhead)
- There was heavy initial aerial response from helicopters
- Ground access to the fire is difficult
- An additional wildfire is burning in the area south of Highway 40 on private land. Named the Green Ridge Fire. Routt County has issued evacuations for that fire. Information
Severity: warning
Jul 14, 2026, 9:16 PM
Update for wildfire: Fishhook Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
- Reported mid-day Sunday, July 12, 2026
- As of Sunday pm, 4 Type I helicopters are working the fire
- Ground resources are on site and are trying to establish an anchor point
- Smoke column is highly visible
- Established at the head of Walton Creek
- Approximately one mile southeast of the ski resort, just under two miles north of Highway 40 (Bruce's Trailhead)
- Heavy initial aerial response from helicopters
- Difficult ground access
- Additional resources ordered and in route
- More information will be added to this page as it becomes available
- An additional wildfire is burning in the area south of Highway 40 on private land. Named the Green Ridge Fire. Routt County has issued evacuations for that fire. Information
Severity: warning

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