Size: Elk Fire: 14,502 acres | Lee Fire: 88,755 Containment: Elk Fire: 8% | Lee Fire: 0% Total Personnel: 1,245 Cause: Lightning Resources: 13 Aircraft | 62 Engines | 21 Hand Crews | 13 Heavy Equipment Important Notes: All updates related to the Elk and Lee Fires will be posted at: https://www.facebook.com/elkleefire/.
Road closures and evacuation notices for Rio Blanco County will still be posted on the Rio Blanco Sheriff Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice.
Evacuation information for Garfield County will be posted on the Garfield County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GarcoSheriff.
Yesterday: Lee Fire – Pyrocumulus clouds developed as a result of extreme fire behavior induced by high winds and extremely dry vegetation. It moved rapidly to the southeast, resulting in some spotting across CR 5. The fire did not cross into Garfield County however, the increase in activity initiated pre-evacuations in Garfield County. Aerial resources were utilized in the morning until increased winds in the early afternoon impacted the accuracy of water drops and eventually grounded the aircraft. Fire resources worked through the night to protect structures along CR 5. Firefighters conducted point protection around structures utilizing engines and dozers through the night.
Elk Fire: Smoke from the Lee Fire shaded the Elk Fire and reduced fire behavior allowing firefighters to further reinforce firelines. Structure protection resources continued monitoring and reinforcing around structures through the night.
Current Situation: Lee Fire – Firefighter and aerial resources are focusing on the spotting that occurred across CR 5 to contain the spots and keep the fire from spreading toward Hwy 13 and into Garfield County. Fire resources will continue structure protection around homes and other values at risk. Firefighters are patrolling and mopping up hot spots along the perimeter on the Hogback ridge.
Elk Fire: Firefighters will continue patrol and mop up containment lines to keep the fire from further spread. Structure protection resources will remain in place around residences and other values at risk. Weather & Fire Behavior: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Temperatures will range in the low to mid-80’s. Humidity’s will fall in the low teens. Winds will shift to the north/northeast mid-morning until early evening. These weather conditions along with the dry fuels are conducive to extreme fire behavior.
Evacuations and closures: Go to the Rio Branco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice – for accurate up-to-date information on all evacuations and road closures. To sign up for emergency alerts at: https://rioblancoalerts.genasys.com/portal/en.
For Garfield County go to: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/. White River National Forest closure information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts. BLM White River Field Office closures information at: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-colorado-issues-emergency-closure-public-lands-rio-blanco-county. Air Quality: Current air quality for your area can be found at fire.airnow.gov.
Elk and Lee Fire Information: Phone: 970-341-8665; Email: 2025.elkrbx@firenet.gov Facebook: www.facebook.com/elkleefire Iniciweb Lee Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-lee-fire Inciweb Elk Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-elk-rbx-fire
New zones moved to SET status
8.9.25, 10:01 am – Zones 70 and 71: Due to the Lee Fire, you are in SET status. Prepare for sudden evacuation orders issued by Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. You will receive another message if you are updated to GO status. Check your zone on this map.
8.9.25, 6:58 a.m. – New EVACUATION STATUS in Garfield County: Zones 80 and 81 are now in SET status. This is to the south of the fire in the northern edge of Garfield County. BE READY to evacuate with short notice from these zones. Prepare now.
8.9.25, 8:17 a.m. – The Lee Fire is producing smoke that is affecting air quality in Garfield County. Visit Air Now to understand if it’s safe to be active outdoors. Be smoke ready and know what steps you can take to protect yourself. If possible, have backup plans to avoid outdoor activities when smoke is thick, and know how to keep your indoor air clean.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
8.9.25, 6:01 a.m. – The Lee and Elk fires in the Meeker area are producing quite a bit of smoke in the valleys of Garfield County due to winds blowing to the south/southwest. There are NO NEW FIRES in GarCo at this time. Please do not call dispatch regarding this smoky haze or strong smell. Some areas of the county are also experiencing falling ash from these same fires.
For updates and information regarding the Lee and Elk fires, please follow the Elk and Lee Fire Information page.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and Incident Management Team for the Elk and Lee Fires
8.8.25, 9:30 p.m. – Winds are shifting to move the Meeker area Lee Fire to the southwest toward Highway 13 in southern Rio Blanco County. The Lee Fire is expected to near the Garfield County side overnight or early tomorrow.
Fire officials are alerting Rio Blanco and Garfield County residents to prepare in Ready Set Go modes.
Residents in the area identified as zone 70 should move into Set status for short notice evacuation likely in your area, and zone 71 should move into Ready status to prepare for possible evacuation in your area.
Winds have been steadily moving toward the east southeast direction, and while fire behavior is expected to decrease overnight, the Lee Fire may shift southward.
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Garco911, CDPHE
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District
Coulter Creek Fire final update
PRESS RELEASE 8.4.25, 4:19 p.m. – Firefighters have concluded their work on the Coulter Creek Fire. The fire is 100 percent contained.
Firefighters will continue to patrol the fire area over the next few days to watch for any remaining hot spots or flare ups.
County Road 113 between County Road 100 and County Road 121 has reopened.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and the official cause is expected to be determined in the next few days. However, lightning in the area a few days before the fire started is believed to be the likely cause.
“The quick actions of firefighters combined with the support of air resources stopped this fire before it could cause greater damage,” said Fire Chief Rob Goodwin. “This was a strong team effort that demonstrates the value of our mutual aid partnerships and the training our crews do year round to prepare for these situations. I am grateful there were no injuries and no homes were lost in this fire.”
This is the final update on the Coulter Creek Fire unless conditions change.
PRESS RELEASE 8.4.25, 10 a.m. – Firefighters are on scene at the Coulter Creek Fire today. Their assignment is to construct containment lines and to cold trail the fire. The fire size has been updated to 107 acres with 20 percent containment.
Cold trailing is a mop up technique used to make sure the fire is completely out. Firefighters carefully inspect and feel along the fire’s edge to detect any remaining heat or hot spots.
Aggressive firefighting on the ground, along with water and retardant drops from the air, stopped the fire’s spread yesterday.
While the fire is only 20 percent contained, that number reflects that there is not yet a complete control line – whether dug by hand or created with a wetline – around the fire.
Once cold trailing is complete, firefighters will be able to provide an updated containment number. Crews expect to finish mop up operations today and achieve 100 percent containment.
County Road 113 remains closed between County Road 100 and County Road 121, but is expected to be opened later today.
Carbondale, Colo. – The Coulter Creek Fire is currently estimated at 115 acres with 0 percent containment.
Evacuation orders have been lifted. County Road 113 will remain closed between County Road 100 and County Road 121.
Firefighters will remain on scene overnight to monitor the fire. In the morning, crews will focus on cold trailing the fire. Cold trailing is a mop-up technique used to ensure the fire is fully extinguished by carefully inspecting and feeling along the fire’s edge to detect any remaining heat or hot spots.
No homes were lost, though one outbuilding was destroyed in the fire. No injuries have been reported. The cause is under investigation by Carbondale Fire’s investigation team, but is not believed to be suspicious.
“Firefighters on the ground worked aggressively to build fireline and protect homes while air crews made repeated water and retardant drops to slow the fire’s spread,” said Incident Commander Bill Gavette. “This was a true team effort. Ground crews worked with air crews attacking the fire from multiple angles. That coordinated response was key to stopping the Coulter Creek Fire.”
Assisting agencies included Roaring Fork Fire, Aspen Fire, Glenwood Springs Fire, Grand Valley Fire, Eagle River Fire, Vail Fire, Summit Fire EMS , Red, White, and Blue Fire Protection District, Steamboat Springs Fire, Garfield County Sheriff, Eagle County Sheriff, Pitkin County Emergency Management, Garfield County Emergency Communications Center, Holy Cross Energy, and Black Hills Energy.
8.3.25, 5:06 pm – From CARBONDALE FIRE: Panorama subdivision, residences east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek, and Ranch at Coulter Creek – the fire evacuation has been LIFTED. Roads in the area will remain closed to non-local traffic.
Sign up for emergency alerts at garco911.com. To receive alerts in your preferred language, download the Reachwell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Set your preferred language. Search and add Garco911.
Se levanta la evacuaciĂłn
8.3.25, 5:06 pm – Desde el INCENDIO CARBONDALE: SubdivisiĂłn Panorama, residencias al este de la Carretera del Condado 100 hacia Upper Cattle Creek, y Rancho en Coulter Creek: se ha levantado la orden de evacuaciĂłn por incendio. Las carreteras de la zona permanecerán cerradas al tráfico no local.
RegĂstrese para recibir alertas de emergencia en garco911.com. Para recibir alertas en tu idioma preferido, descarga la app Reachwell desde la App Store de Apple o Google Play Store. Selecciona tu idioma preferido. Busca y añade Garco911.
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District
8.3.25, 5 pm – UPDATE: The evacuation orders for the Coulter Creek Fire have been lifted. @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire
8.3.25, 5 pm – ACTUALIZACIĂ“N – Las Ăłrdenes de evacuaciĂłn para el Coulter Creek Fire se han levantado. @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire
8.3.25, 4:30 pm – UPDATE – the fire has been mapped at 115 acres.
8.3.25, 4:30 pm – ACTUALIZACIĂ“N – el fuego ha sido mapeado en 115 acres.
Colorado Division of Public Health & Environment Air Pollution Control Division
Issued for central and eastern Rio Blanco, eastern Garfield, and western Eagle Counties Issued at 3:30 PM MDT, Sunday, August 3, 2025
Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Affected Area: Central and eastern Rio Blanco, eastern Garfield, and western Eagle Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Meeker, Carbondale, El Jebel, and along Highway 82 south of Glenwood Springs.
Advisory in Effect: 4:00 PM MDT, Sunday, August 3, 2025 to 9:00 AM MDT, Monday, August 4, 2025
Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood, you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Outlook: Smoke from the Grease fire and the Elk fire in central and southeastern Rio Blanco County, and the Coulter Creek fire in southeastern Garfield County will produce areas of moderate to heavy smoke Sunday evening and Monday morning. The greatest impacts are expected in areas in the immediate vicinity of these fires including mainly rural areas of Rio Blanco County south and southeast of Meeker; and in southeastern portions of Garfield County in the Roaring Fork Valley along Highway 82 near Carbondale and El Jebel; south of Glenwood Springs. Additional smoke impacts may be experienced across the advisory area due to transport of smoke on Sunday and Monday.
PRESS RELEASE 8.3.25, 3:29 pm Carbondale, CO – 11:04 a.m. today, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District was dispatched for a report of a wildland fire in the Missouri Heights area.
Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire burning in grass, pinyon, juniper, and sage moving at a fast rate of spread. Crews immediately began suppression efforts from the ground while air resources were deployed to assist.
The fire is currently estimated at 80 acres. Structures are threatened, though no homes have been lost at this time. The fire is 0% contained, but the rate of spread has slowed due to coordinated efforts by ground crews and aerial resources.
Evacuation orders are in effect for residents in the Panorama Subdivision, the Ranch at Coulter Creek, and the area east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek Road. Impacted residents needing shelter can go to Roaring Fork High School. Roads in the area have been closed to allow firefighters to work safely.
Firefighters from multiple agencies are working together to contain the fire.
Additional updates will be provided as they become available. @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire @garcosheriff or garcosheriff
8.3.25, 2:30 pm: UPDATE: The fire is named the Coulter Creek Fire. It is estimated to be 80 acres. facebook: @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire
8.3.25, 2:30 pm: ACTUALIZACIĂ“N DE LAS 23:00: El incendio se denomina Coulter Creek Fire. Se estima que abarca una superficie de 80 acres. facebook: @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire
8.3.25, 1 pm: The Ranch at Coulter Creek fire is 35-40 acres. Multiple ground and air resources are on scene.
8.3.25, 12:55 pm – From GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Panorama subdivision, residences east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek, and Ranch at Coulter Creek – due to FIRE, EVACUATE the area IMMEDIATELY. Evacuation center is Roaring Fork High School at 2770 Highway 133, Carbondale.
8.3.25, 12:55 pm – Desde la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield: SubdivisiĂłn Panorama, residencias al este de la Carretera del Condado 100 hacia Upper Cattle Creek, y Ranch en Coulter Creek: debido al incendio, se debe evacuar la zona inmediatamente. El centro de evacuaciĂłn es la Escuela Secundaria Roaring Fork, ubicada en la Carretera 133 n.° 2770, Carbondale.
EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY
8.3.25, 12:19 pm – From GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: From GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Panorama subdivision, residences east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek, and Ranch at Coulter Creek – due to FIRE, EVACUATE the area IMMEDIATELY. facebook: @garcosheriff or garcosheriff
EVACUAR INMEDIATAMENTE
8.3.25, 12:19 pm – Desde la OFICINA DEL ALGUACIL DEL CONDADO DE GARFIELD: Desde la OFICINA DEL ALGUACIL DEL CONDADO DE GARFIELD: SubdivisiĂłn Panorama, residencias al este de County Road 100 hasta Upper Cattle Creek y Ranch en Coulter Creek: debido al INCENDIO, EVACUE el área INMEDIATAMENTE. @garcosheriff or garcosheriff
Coulter Creek FireCoulter Creek Fire
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection
8.3.25, 12: 06 pm update: Please avoid the area of County Road 100 – County Road 115 and the Missouri Heights area to allow firefighters to work
Ranch at Coulter Creek fire: facebook: @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire
8.3.25, 11:24 am – We are on scene of a wildland fire north of Panorama Drive, below the Ranch at Coulter Creek Subdivision. Air resources are enroute.
July 18, 2025, 5:22 p.m. – If you live east of mile marker 4 on County Road 309, please use the Rulison exit to access your home. If you live west of mile marker 1.9 on County Road 309, please use the Parachute exit to access your home.
July 18, 2025, 4:41 p.m. – Fire crews made good progress today. As of 5 p.m., County Road 309 will move to pre-evacuation status. The road will remain closed to the public but open to residents. The fire has held steady at approximately 310 acres throughout the day.
July 18, 2025, 9:56 a.m. – All evacuations remain in place at this time. Please do not call Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (dispatch) for updates — their lines are overwhelmed, and it’s critical we keep them clear for emergencies.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
July 18, 2025, 5:05 p.m. – Evacuated County road 309 residents: Evacuation has been lifted and you may return home. Be prepared to evacuate again if needed due to fire activity. Addresses greater than 4000, access your home via Rulison. Addresses lower than 1900, access your home via Battlement mesa.
July 17, 2025, 10:20 p.m. – Road open – Hwy 6 is open between mile-markers 77 and 83 both directions, Parachute to Rulison.
July 17, 2025, 4:38 p.m. – EVACUATION: County road 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) to main Rulison exit, mile marker 81: Due to the fire, evacuate the area immediately.
17 de julio de 2025, 4:38 p.m. – EVACUACIĂ“N: Carretera del condado 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) hasta la salida principal de Rulison, marcador de milla 81: Debido al incendio, evacue el área de inmediato.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
July 17, 2025, 4:38 p.m. – EVACUATION: County road 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) to main Rulison exit, mile marker 81: Due to the fire, evacuate the area immediately.
17 de julio de 2025, 4:38 p.m. – EVACUACIĂ“N: Carretera del condado 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) hasta la salida principal de Rulison, marcador de milla 81: Debido al incendio, evacue el área de inmediato.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office
July 17, 2025, 4:38 p.m. – Brush fire is burning on County Road 309, just south of I-70 near mile marker 79 (between Parachute and Rulison). Evacuations: Residents within a one-mile radius of 1800 County Road 309 are under evacuation orders. Road closures: Highway 6 is closed in both directions between mile markers 77 and 83 (Parachute to Rulison).
17 de julio de 2025, 16:38 – Un incendio forestal arde en la carretera del condado 309, justo al sur de la I-70, cerca del kilĂłmetro 79 (entre Parachute y Rulison). Evacuaciones: Se ordena la evacuaciĂłn a los residentes en un radio de una milla alrededor del kilĂłmetro 1800 de la carretera del condado 309. Cierres de carreteras: La autopista 6 está cerrada en ambas direcciones entre los kilĂłmetros 77 y 83 (de Parachute a Rulison).
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
July 17, 2025, 4:25 p.m. – Highway 6 is closed between mile markets 77 and 83, both directions, Parachute to Rulison, due to a fire.
17 de julio de 2025, 16:25 – La autopista 6 está cerrada entre los mercados de millas 77 y 83, en ambas direcciones, de Parachute a Rulison, debido a un incendio.
July 17, 2025, 3:11 p.m. – Residences in one mile of 1800 County Road 309 (Rulison-Parachute Rd): Due to a fire, evacuate the area immediately.
17 de julio de 2025, 3:11 p. m. – Residencias en una milla de 1800 County Road 309 (Rulison-Parachute Rd): Debido a un incendio, evacue el área de inmediato.
Grand Valley Fire Protection District
July 17, 2025, 3:04 p.m. – New vegetation fire: Cottonwood Fire. Evacuations have been requested for a 1 mile radius around the fire, per unit on scene. Pre-Evacuations have been requested for a 2-mile radius around the fire.
17 de julio de 2025, 15:04 – Nuevo incendio de vegetaciĂłn: Incendio Cottonwood. Se solicitan evacuaciones en un radio de 1 milla alrededor del incendio, por unidad en el lugar. Se solicitan preevacuaciones en un radio de 2 millas alrededor del incendio.
Parachute Police Department
July 17, 2025, 4:24 p.m. – ATTENTION: Cottonwood Park Rodeo Grounds, 100 La Plata Cir, Parachute, is open for your evacuated livestock.
17 de julio de 2025, 4:24 p.m. – ATENCIĂ“N: Cottonwood Park Rodeo Grounds, 100 La Plata Cir, Parachute, está abierto para su ganado evacuado.
Recent hot and windy conditions across Colorado have dried out the lower elevation landscape, and much of the Western Slope is under severe to extreme drought.
“The conditions across our region are significantly drier and more volatile than normal for mid-July,” said Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Officer Tommy Hayes. “Prolonged heat, low humidity, and steady winds have rapidly dried out vegetation — especially native grasses, sagebrush and pinyon-juniper shrubs.”
Because of current conditions, a current National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level of 4, and several active fires in the region, officials decided to increase fire restrictions where most appropriate.
In addition to stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited on BLM-managed lands:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill, coal, wood stove fires, including in developed camping and picnic grounds. Devices using pressurized liquid or gas are exempted.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, building or tent.
Using an explosive requiring fuse or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets and tracers or incendiary ammunition.
Operating a generator, chainsaw or any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Additionally, people should avoid parking in tall, dry grass; use working spark arresters on off-highway vehicles; and inspect trailers regularly to ensure chains do not drag.
BLM initiates restrictions to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the public. Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria, including the moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, and human risk factors.
For more information, please contact the Grand Junction Field Office at 970-244-3000 or the Colorado River Valley Field Office at 970-876-9000.
For updates and information regarding the Lee and Elk fires, please follow the 
