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(Gunnison, CO, July 10, 2026) —The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are responding to a wildfire, named Elk Fire, burning in the Uncompahgre Wilderness, located between the Elk Creek and Little Elk Creek drainages, approximately 3.5 miles west of Highway 149.
The wildfire was reported at 9:45 a.m. on July 9 and is currently estimated at 20 to 30 acres.
Fire personnel inserted six rappelers and seven local firefighters to conduct direct suppression efforts. An additional 20‑person crew is scheduled to arrive this morning to support containment operations and a Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered.
A Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) completed multiple retardant drops, and a heavy helicopter continues to perform water drops to slow fire spread and cool active areas.
The fire is burning in rugged terrain within wilderness boundaries, complicating access and requiring specialized resources. Crews are working to establish containment and limit the potential for growth. There are no threats to communities or infrastructure at this time.
The safety of firefighters and the public remains the Forest Service’s first priority.
The public is reminded to stay aware of changing conditions, follow local guidance and avoid the area while firefighters are working.
The GMUG remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
For updates, please visit the GMUG’s official website or Facebook page.
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.
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