Gold Mountain Fire Update – 7/26/2026

Fire Update: Gold Mountain Fire
Sunday, July 26, 2026 – 8:00 a.m. MDT
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2
Incident Commander Rodney Redinger
Phone (public and media inquiries): 970-355-3286 Email:2026.goldmountain@firenet.gov

Safety Message: Predicted scattered thunderstorms may bring lightning, strong outflow winds, and heavy rainfall in concentrated areas. Burned areas are especially vulnerable to flash flooding, debris flows, and falling rocks during intense rain. Firefighters and the public should remain alert and use caution when traveling in and around the burned area, especially during and after storms.

Current Conditions: Members of the public have been entering the BLM and Forest Service land closures off of Little Cimarron Road. This is a safety hazard for the public and firefighters, due to a large amount of heavy equipment and heavy firefighter traffic in the area. Forest Service Road 864 and 858 are still closed South of Cimarron.
Fire activity remains low to moderate as crews continue patrolling the fire area. Fire fighters are using Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) within the Uncompahgre Wilderness to minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources.

Firefighters are engaged in suppression repair activities in DIV F, H, K and P. Hazard tree felling along Forest Road 858 toward Silver Jack Reservoir is complete, but log hauling operations continue as crews skid, haul, and process the felled trees. Merchantable timber is being hauled from constructed containment lines, to be stacked and decked. Chippers are being used for the removal of smaller debris. Those that reside off of Forest Road 858 should expect logging equipment and truck traffic in the area. Please drive with caution.

Initial attack crews are stationed for response within the temporary flight restricted area for any new start fires that can occur during projected lightening events. Aircraft support is shared with the Elk Fire and may assist when needed and as weather permits. As containment progresses firefighters are back hauling unneeded equipment. Division Z remains unstaffed, but aerial patrols continue.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Weather conditions will be similar to yesterday, with monsoonal moisture bringing afternoon thunderstorms capable of heavy rain, lightning, small hail, and strong outflow winds. Interior smoldering may continue to produce smoke during warmer, drier periods. Flash flooding remains a significant concern, with no extended drying trend expected.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): To get the exact restricted airspace over the Gold Mountain Fire, go to: tfr.faa.gov. The NOTAM Number is FDC 6/8012.

Size: 38,063 acres | Containment: 37% | Cause: Undetermined | Start Date: June 27, 2026 @ 5:33p.m.
Location: Approx. 2 miles NE of Ouray, CO | Total Personnel: 670