(Grand Junction, CO, August 06, 2026)—The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are responding to the Snipe Fire, located in the North Fork Escalante Creek drainage, south of Snipe Mountain and east of Uncompahgre Butte on the Uncompahgre Plateau within the Grand Valley Ranger District.
The wildfire was discovered at approximately 3 p.m. on August 5 and is currently estimated to be between 4 and 6 acres. Smoke may be visible from areas along Divide Road.
The Snipe Fire is burning in a mix of conifer, oak brush and aspen, and is moving slowly with occasional flareups. The fire is in a steep drainage with dead trees, creating challenging access and terrain for ground crews.
Resources from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Mesa County are assigned, including engines, hand crews and a helitack crew with helicopter support. Approximately 50 personnel are engaged in suppression operations.
Firefighters are engaging in full suppression efforts. Yesterday, aircraft assisted ground crews with retardant and water drops while firefighters worked to gain safe access to the fire. Crews have begun constructing saw line around portions of the perimeter. Today, they will continue saw line and snagging operations to secure the area for handline construction. Aircraft will support suppression efforts as needed due to limited water sources for ground engines.
There are no closures in effect. The public is advised to avoid the area, follow posted signs and alerts, and not impede responders traveling along Divide Road.
As always, the safety of firefighters and the public is 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 work.
The GMUG remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
Please visit the GMUG’s official Facebook for updates.
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.
