Western Slope Fire Wire

09/18/2025

🙏UPDATE: Family members have shared an unfortunate update on the search for two missing 25-year-old elk hunters in Colorado:

"It is with a broken heart and through tears that I give you this update. Andrew Porter (Asheville, NC) and Ian Stasko (Salt Lake City, Utah) have both been found deceased. Their bodies were discovered earlier today by Colorado Search and Rescue. I will provide another update tomorrow. Please keep Andrew’s and Ian‘s families in your thoughts and prayers." - Lynne Runkle, Andrew’s Aunt

https://gofund.me/506099934

09/17/2025

Sharing on behalf of Colorado & New Mexico

08/18/2025

08/15/2025

The Blue Ridge Fire near Forest Lakes is estimated at 25 acres with multiple aircraft and ground crews on scene. Hilltop Drive and all of the roads north and east of Hilltop Drive are closed as evacuations continue. Please monitor www.readylaplata.org for the most current evacuation map.

08/15/2025

The Blue Ridge Fire has spread to three to five acres and forced evacuations for residents in the upper elevations of the Forest Lakes subdivision north of Bayfield. Visit www.readylaplata.org, the La Plata County Government page, for the most up-to-date information throughout the event, or call (970) 385-8700. Residents can also sign up for CodeRED or the Watch Duty app for updates.

08/15/2025

Hey Forest Lakes, don't worry, they're sending the cavalry.

Resources responding to the Blue Ridge Fire include:

Over a dozen ground units responding, both local fire departments and locally based Forest Service firefighters, as well as crews from Indiana and Alaska that were staging in the Durango area.

Additionally, in the air:
- Bell 212 bucket ship responding from Durango
- Tanker 103 (large air tanker) responding from Phoenix
- Durango Helitack responding from Cortez
- K-max bucket ship responding from Cortez
- More air tankers that will be responding from Durango and Grand Junction once they get back from the Lee Fire, burning near Meeker.

08/15/2025

NEW START - Blue Ridge Fire

Bayfield (La Plata County), CO - New wildfire reported in the Forest Lakes subdivision, off of Route 501. This fire is 3-5 acres in size and growing.

An evacuation order has been given for Pine Ridge Drive, Hilltop Drive, Grassy Mountain Road, and Pinewood Drive in Forest Lakes. If you are in these areas, evacuate immediately. A Pre-Evacuation Notice for Beaver Meadows is also in effect.

Dozens of resources are responding, including helicopters and air tankers. Smoke is visible from the Durango Airport.

For evacuation information, visit: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/9f33361d194a4af0811051b756b50238/page/Rim-Road-Evac-Map

08/15/2025

08/05/2025

07/22/2025

New Start - Blue Mountain Fire

Monticello (San Juan County) - Numerous fire crews are on scene of a new wildfire in the area of the former Blue Mountain Ski Hill in the Abajo Mountains, west of Monticello. This fire has been named the Blue Mountain Fire.

Smoke can be seen from Monticello. A helicopter is currently performing numerous bucket drops. The fire is believed to be in heavy timber. The current acreage is unknown.

Please avoid Forest Service Road 0086 until further notice.

07/22/2025