Western Slope Wildfire Alerts: Towns to Watch Right Now
Western Colorado has borne the brunt of the 2025 wildfire season, with a total of 11 fires burning more than 1000 acres so far this year. These fires have burned a combined total of 150,000 to 170,000 acres this summer.
See the latest information below regarding each of Colorado's major wildfires burning in August, and their impact on nearby cities.
Wildfire Overview: Count, Acreage, Scope
Map of Elk and Lee Fires
- Lightning strikes on August 2nd started both the Elk and Lee fires in Rio Blanco and Garfield counties on the Western Slope. The Lee Fire is now the fifth-largest in Colorado history, at 130,000 acres. Firefighters and first responders have managed containment of 6% to 7%
- The Lee fire has burned 14,000 to 15,000 acres, has destroyed homes, and has triggered evacuations. The Colorado National Guard and FEMA were deployed on August 6th to assist with both wildfires. As shown on the map above, the fires are located to the East and West of the city of Meeker.
The Lee & Elk Fires: The Core Threat
Colorado wildfires in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties.
Read More: Colorado’s Lee Fire Becomes 5th Largest in State History
- So far this summer, Western Colorado has battled the Turner Gulch fire, South Rim, Sowbelly, Deer Creek, and Wright Draw fires, which have burned across Mesa, Montrose, and Delta counties. Many started thanks to lightning strikes on July 10.
- Containment of Western Colorado's wildfires continues to grow. Wildfire containment represents the portion of the perimeter around the fire that is secure. Secure perimeters stop the fire from spreading. It refers to containment and does not necessarily mean the fire has been put out. See the latest containment percentage below.
- Turner Gulch: ~54%
- South Rim: ~52%
- Sowbelly: ~100%
- Wright Draw: ~100%
- Deer Creek: ~100%
Economic and Emotional Toll on Communities
Public Meeting in Rifle
- Western Colorado tourism is taking a hit this summer as many of the hotels and campgrounds near Meeker that would be full this time of year are closed to the public to house fire crews and evacuees. Wildfire smoke and closures cause a drop-off in business at bars and restaurants.
- Wildfires caused the closure of the South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park near Montrose, portions of Unaweep Canyon along Colorado 141 near Gateway (since reopened), and portions of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. The fires are both an emotional and economic blow to nearby communities, which must prepare for a long recovery after these fires are put out.
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Lee Fire National Guard CH 47 Chinook
LOOK: How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
If you’re in Utica, Herkimer, or anywhere across the Mohawk Valley, here’s how to protect your lungs (and your sanity) on smoky days:
Gallery Credit: Unsplash/TSM
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Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams
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