Public Affairs Officer: Daniel Malta
(912) 759-0893
daniel.malta@usda.gov
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug

GMUG National Forests Respond to Lost Canyon Fire

(Gunnison, CO, May 26, 2026)—The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, in coordination with Gunnison County, are actively suppressing the Lost Canyon Fire, located approximately seven miles northeast of Almont near the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area. 

The fire was reported at around 3 p.m. on May 25 and has been mapped at approximately 8 acres. Smoke may be visible from the Gunnison Highlands area.

Due to the fire’s remote location and limited access, two large air tankers were deployed to drop retardant and slow the fire’s progression while ground personnel worked to reach the incident. A 20-person crew, eight smokejumpers and a Type 3 helicopter are now assigned to the fire and will continue suppression efforts in the coming days. 

The Forest Service and partners are engaging the Lost Canyon Fire with a full suppression strategy.  The coordinated response to this remote area will require significant resources to extinguish the fire.  Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.