White River National Forest

Aug. 21, 2026 7 p.m. – Today firefighters brought the 6-acre Elk Knob Fire in the Flat Tops Wilderness to 100 percent containment. A heavy helicopter provided some last water drops, and a medium helicopter gave the 10 firefighters working the fire a ride off the mountain this afternoon.

Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. Firefighters made good progress on the Elk Knob fire today despite hot, dry conditions.

The 6-acre Elk Fire in the Flat Tops Wilderness is now 80 percent contained. Firefighters will continue mopping up and securing fireline tomorrow.

Updates on both fires will continue to be posted on the U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest Facebook page.

Aug. 18, 8:30 p.m. – Nineteen firefighters worked the Elk Knob Fire in a remote part of the Flat Tops Wilderness in Garfield County (about seven miles due north of Heart Lake). They were supported by two helicopters dropping water.

Firefighters include two engine crews who hiked in several miles from the end of the Coffee Pot Road, four rappellers who rappelled from a helicopter, and six smokejumpers who parachuted in. The fire is currently estimated at 1-2 acres. An additional 10 firefighters will join the effort today.

The fire is likely a lightning holdover from several days ago. It is not uncommon for lightning fires to take several days to put up enough smoke to be detected, especially when an area receives rain with the lightning.

WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
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