Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team #1
Incident Commanders Isaac Bayer and Matt Weakland
Acres: 1,980
Containment: 0%
Start Date: 7/9/2026
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber (litter and understory)
Resources: 223 total personnel, including 6 helicopters, 3 hand crews, and 22 engines
Fire Information: (970) 299-5357
The Elk Fire, located north of Lake City, Colorado, has burned 1,980 acres in the Uncompahgre Wilderness and remains 0% contained. The incident is being managed by the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1.
As the Elk Fire continues to grow in complexity, management of the incident will transition from the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1 to the Northwest Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 8 today at 6:30 p.m. This transition brings additional personnel, planning capacity, and operational support to help manage the incident safely and effectively. The incoming team will build on the work already completed while providing additional resources and support for continued suppression efforts.
Yesterday, despite thunderstorm activity in the area, fire activity remained moderate. Growth was primarily to the south and east. A prominent smoke plume was once again very visible over the fire. Fire behavior remained moderate overnight.
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 indirect fire line opportunities to prep for protecting values at risk. They will utilize direct extinguishment as opportunities present themselves.
• Division X-Ray will coordinate with aircraft to moderate fire behavior and limit fire spread.
• The Structure Protection Group, comprised primarily of engine crews, will continue structure assessments and protection efforts along Highway 149.
• Night Operations will maintain awareness of fire activity along the Highway 149 corridor near and around critical infrastructure and structures.
The monsoon pattern is in full swing with increasing shower and thunderstorm chances into next week. Thunderstorms are expected again late this morning through the evening, bringing the potential for outflow
winds exceeding 45 mph. Outside of thunderstorm outflows, light winds with afternoon and early evening gusts between 15-20 mph are expected. Minimum relative humidity values will increase into the upcoming weekend.
Closures and Evacuations:
Yesterday, the Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office issued a “GO EVACUATE NOW” Evacuation Notice for two evacuation zones north and west of the Town of Lake City. The zones are specifically west of Highway 149, north of Independence Gulch Trailhead to the county line, Zones HNS-E002 and HNS-005. Several evacuation zones in Hinsdale County remain in GET READY (Green) status due to the Elk Fire. Residents should follow the Hinsdale County Facebook page for the latest evacuation 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.
Forest Service Road 7868 (Alpine Road) remains closed to the public due to fire operations. Some public maps display the route as Road 868.
Yesterday, an Area Closure went into effect within National Forest Service lands. The area is described as west of Highway 149 in Hinsdale and Gunnison Counties. Within NFS lands, the closure order’s western boundary is the boundary between the Ouray Ranger District and Gunnison Ranger District on the Uncompahgre National Forest. The northern, eastern, and southern closure boundaries follow the Forest boundary. The closure area includes Big Blue Trailhead, Big Blue Campground, Alpine Ranger Station, Uncompahgre Peak, Alpine Trailhead, Alpine/Little Cimarron Trailhead, Big Blue Campground, Big Blue Trailhead, Crystal Larson Trailhead, Fall Creek Trailhead, Independence Trailhead, Little Elk Trailhead, and Nellie Creek Trailhead. The complete Closure Order is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gunnison Field Office has implemented a temporary emergency closure for public lands within Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties. The temporary closure applies to BLM-administered public lands within the Gunnison Field Office, specifically in areas east of Colorado State Highway 149 and north of Hinsdale County Road 20. This closure is in addition to existing closures and restrictions currently in place.
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.
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.
The Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1 would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Lake City and Gunnison communities and the surrounding area for your patience, support, and cooperation throughout our time managing the Elk Fire. We are grateful to the residents, local agencies, volunteers, and partner organizations whose collaboration and hospitality have contributed to the incident response. As management transitions to the incoming Complex Incident Management Team, we are confident the fire is in capable hands and appreciate your continued support of the firefighters and personnel working to protect lives, property, and natural resources.
