Gold Mountain Fire Active 2026

The Gold Mountain Fire was discovered on June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:33 pm 2 miles northeast of Ouray, CO. Fire initially started burning in mixed conifer vegetation located on inaccessible terrain above the east side of Highway 550. Local, State, and Federal initial attack fire resources were ordered immediately. The fire spread quickly running up steep slopes. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team was assigned on June 27, 2026. Aviation resources were ordered throughout the next day, but high winds and terrain features shut down the use of aviation resources. Fire became very active, with group torching and crowning, increasing the fire growth to the east by 2,000 acres. Fire resources provided public safety and worked to protect structures. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 was ordered on June 28, 2026, and took command on June 29, 2026, at 6 pm.  Red Flag conditions over the following week led to extreme fire behavior increasing the fire growth to over 30,000 acres by July 6, 2026. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command July 14, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command July 26, 2026 following a coordinated, planned transition.  Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command again on August 9th, 2026 of both the Gold Mountain and Elk Fires following a coordinated planned transition.

Firefighters are using a risk-based suppression strategy that prioritizes public and firefighter safety while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, water systems and access along the Highway 550 corridor. Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire lines near Highway 550 and Cow Creek, secure the fire edge around Nate Creek, and construct and reinforce indirect line along the western perimeter toward Bureau of Land Management lands and south toward Silver Jack Reservoir. 

Where direct engagement is unsafe or impractical, firefighters are using natural features, indirect containment lines, point protection around homes and other values at risk, and pumps, hoses and large water tanks to support structure protection. Aerial resources continue to monitor and support operations along inaccessible portions of the fire. Although thunderstorms may bring periods of rain, critically dry fuels, lightning and erratic outflow winds remain concerns.