.png)
Gold Mountain Fire Grows to 39,507 Acres, Reaches 59% Containment
Description: The Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray, Colorado, is now 39,507 acres and 59% contained. Firefighters continue suppression repair while flash flooding remains a major concern along the US 550 corridor...
Fire Update – Gold Mountain Fire
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – 8:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1
Justin Conrad, Incident Commander
Information Phone: 970-355-3286
Email: 2026.goldmountain@firenet.gov
Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Safety Message: Thunderstorms have the potential to produce lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain. Burned areas near the US 550 corridor are vulnerable to flash flooding, debris flows, and falling rocks. Remain alert and use caution when traveling in and around this area, especially during and after storms.
Forest Service Road 864 and 858 remain closed south of Cimarron due to heavy equipment operations, debris removal, and ongoing firefighting. Avoid this area to ensure personal safety, safety of fellow travelers, and that of firefighting personnel.
Current Situation: Fire activity remains low throughout the Gold Mountain Fire. Some areas of heat remain on the northern edge of the fire, which is being addressed by a hotshot crew. Suppression repair is occurring across both branches. Backhauling is also occurring and includes the removal of hoses, pumps, and other equipment used during suppression efforts.
Branch I: Divisions A-D, F, H/K, P, and R
The western side of the Gold Mountain Fire is largely contained. A pocket of heat remains in the west fork of the Cimarron River to Cimarron Ridge, spanning sections of Divisions P and R. Suppression repair work continues with an emphasis on erosion control and stabilization. Crews are backhauling pumps, hoses, and other equipment used during suppression efforts.
Branch III: Divisions U and Z
Heavy equipment continues to work in Division U to remove wood debris generated during previous contingency line construction. Division Z has been fully contained but will continue to be patrolled for any lingering areas of heat, with crews available to respond should there be a need.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted through today with hotter and drier weather expected later in the week. Flash flooding, lightning, and gusty winds could occur. Fire behavior will continue to be minimal today. Slow backing fire within the interior may produce visible plumes of smoke but do not pose a threat to containment.
Closure Orders: Closure orders are still in effect throughout areas of the Gold Mountain Fire. For current closure status please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../gold-mountain-wildfire-area...
Note: As of 6 a.m. this morning Complex Incident Management Team 1 has assumed command of the Elk Fire. Incident updates for the Elk Fire will continue to be posted at: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../cogmf-elk-fire
No Fly Zone: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Gold Mountain and Elk Fire areas is in effect. Flying drones near the fire is prohibited and can interfere with firefighting aircraft, potentially grounding aerial suppression operations. For more information on flight restrictions, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.
Fire Statistics:
Size: 39,507 acres
Containment: 59%
Total Personnel: 621
Location: 2 miles NE of Ouray, CO
Reported: June 27, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
For More Information:
Information Phone: 970-355-3286
Email: 2026.goldmountain@firenet.gov
