Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team #1
Incident Commanders Isaac Bayer and Matt Weakland
The Elk Fire, located north of Lake City, Colorado, has burned 574* acres in the Uncompahgre Wilderness and remains 0% contained. The incident is being managed by the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1.
*Updated acreage is not available at this time. A requested high-elevation infrared (IR) flight has been unable to be completed for the past three days due to aircraft availability and weather conditions. Today, a Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) is expected to complete an infrared flight, providing updated mapping information and a more accurate estimate of fire size. That information will be shared as soon as it’s available.
Yesterday, the fire was more active, with growth primarily to the east and south as gusty winds from thunderstorm cells impacted the fire area. Torching, spotting, and active fire spread occurred through heavy dead and down timber. A prominent smoke plume was very visible over the fire. Fire behavior remained moderate overnight, with continued smoldering and isolated torching.
The fire continues to burn in remote, rugged wilderness terrain. Due to the fire’s location, the inability to safely access it by ground, and the high risk associated with emergency extraction or medical evacuation, firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics around the perimeter of the fire. These tactics allow crews to work safely while establishing a secure containment footprint. Natural barriers, roads, and other strategic landscape features are being used to build fireline and protect values at risk. Firefighter safety remains the top priority.
Today:
• Divisions Alpha and Charlie will assess opportunities to reinforce indirect fireline to protect values at risk.
• Division X-Ray will coordinate with aircraft to moderate fire behavior and limit fire spread. Firefighters will continue installing hose lay to support suppression efforts and help hold established containment lines.
• The Structure Protection Group, comprised primarily of engine crews, will continue structure assessments and protection efforts along Highway 149.
• Night Operations will assess fire activity along Highway 149, near and around critical infrastructure and structures.
Thunderstorms are expected again late this morning through the evening, bringing the potential for outflow winds exceeding 45 mph. Outside of thunderstorm activity, light winds with afternoon and early evening gusts up to 18 mph are expected. Temperatures will be near 70°F, with relative humidity in the low 20% range.
Closures and Evacuations:
Forest Service Road 7868 (Alpine Road) remains closed to the public due to fire operations. Some public maps display the route as Road 868.
Highway 149 remains open, but motorists should expect increased firefighter traffic and a reduced speed limit through the incident area. Please slow down, stay alert, and use caution when traveling through the area. Smoke impacts are likely as the evening brings inversion into the valley bottoms.
Evacuation status has not changed. Several evacuation zones in Hinsdale County remain in GET READY (Green) status due to the Elk Fire. This includes properties along Highway 149 from the Hinsdale County line to the Town of Lake City, as well as properties within Lake City and areas south, east, and west of town. Residents should follow the Hinsdale County Facebook page for the latest evacuation and emergency information and sign up to receive emergency notifications through the Hinsdale County Emergency Management website.
Evacuation zone GNN-220 in southern Gunnison County remains in pre-evacuation status. This includes properties along Highway 149 north of the Hinsdale County line, south of the Whinnery Ranch gravel pit, and extending east and west to the National Forest boundaries. Updated evacuation information for Gunnison County is available at emergency.gunnisoncounty.org/elk-fire.
STAY INFORMED: Residents are encouraged to stay informed, as evacuation statuses can change rapidly.
No Drone Zone: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect. Flying drones near the fire is prohibited and can interfere with firefighting aircraft, potentially grounding aerial suppression operations.
Acres: 574* Containment: 0%
Start Date: 7/9/2026 Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber (litter and understory)
Resources: 241 total personnel, including 7 helicopters, 3 Type 2 IA crews, and 23 engines
Fire Information: (970) 299-5357
