July 13, 2026 –
Elk Fire Update
Acres: 488 acres Containment: 0%
Start Date: 7/9/2026 Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber (litter and understory), heavy logging slash
Resources: 275 total personnel including: 15 engines, 8 smokejumpers, 6 Repeller, 1 dozer, 1 Type 2 Fire Module, 3 Type 2 IA Crews, 2 Suppression Modules, 2 Taskforce Leaders, 1 Ambulance
Fire Information: (970) 299-5357
Yesterday, crews on the Elk Fire continued to utilize aviation resources to limit large runs and maintain moderate fire behavior. The fire progressed to the north and slightly east under yesterday’s weather conditions. Rappelers and smokejumpers worked along the western and southern portions of the fire to slow advancement toward the Elk Creek area. A wildland fire module (WFM) will be inserted today near Elk Creek to implement confinement strategies; WFM are self-sufficient, highly trained teams specializing in technical fire operations.
Today, hand crews are identifying opportunities along the 868 Road to use it as a barrier and engage in indirect confinement. Ground resources are assessing natural features and evaluating alternate containment lines throughout the fire area.
Structure assessments are underway along Highway 149. Reduced-speed signage has been implemented along the corridor and extended to Lake City. Travelers are asked to slow down and drive with headlights on to increase visibility and ensure safety.
Today’s weather over the Elk fire will be 63-68 degrees and partly cloudy with a chance of rain showers and a slight chance of evening thunderstorms. Patchy smoke is expected overnight, with smoke dispersal improving around 11 a.m. Gusty and erratic winds are anticipated this evening.
A public meeting regarding the Elk Fire will be held in Lake City, today, Monday, July 13th at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Lake City Community School, 614 Silver Street, Lake City. The meeting will be live streamed and available to anyone on the Hinsdale County Colorado Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1466174562215475/
On Sunday, July 12 at 5:17 PM, the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an aircraft supporting the Gold Mountain Fire that went down in the Silver Jack Reservoir. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, passed away as a result of the accident. Information and official updates will be provided through the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office. We extend our deepest condolences to the pilot’s family, loved ones, and the Gold Mountain Incident Management Team during this difficult time.
It is important that everyone BE READY to leave their homes if needed, and make and maintain an evacuation plan. As the Elk Fire continues to develop and grow, different areas of the county may become at risk, so everyone needs to stay alert and be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
• Have an evacuation plan for your family and animals.
• Put together a go kit.
• Create a checklist of valuables if you need to leave quickly.
• Register for Hinsdale County Alerts to get emergency updates (https://hinsdale.genasys.com/portal/en).
A fire information line has been established and will be staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. That number is (970) 299-5357. Fire updates will provided daily through email and on the Hinsdale County Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hinsdalecountycolorado/ and Lake City locals Facebook page. The GMUG Forest Service Facebook page also has updates: https://www.facebook.com/GMUG.NF
We will continue to provide updates as they become available while we work through this incident together.
NO DRONE ZONE: A temporary flight restriction is in place. A fire information line has been established and will be staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. That number is (970) 299-5357.
