PL Gulch Fire Active 2026

The PL Gulch Fire was reported at 12:30 p.m. on July 13, 2026, in the County Road 76 and County Road 5 area of Rio Blanco County. The fire was burning in brush, grass, and piñon/juniper mix, approximately 20 miles southwest of Meeker.

Rio Blanco Fire Protection District and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - USWFS responded to the scene. Initial attack efforts included ground personnel and aerial resources. 

The Colorado Type 3 Incident Management Team (Team CO) assumed management of the fire at 6:00 a.m. on July 17. The Team worked closely with local and regional resources, who remain actively engaged in suppression and repair efforts. The fire is burning on BLM land and did not initially threaten any structures. As the fire moved south toward County Road 5, one residence was evacuated. 

As of July 22, there are no evacuation orders and all roads are open. There was minor damage to high-voltage transmission lines. Team Colorado returns the fire to the local unit at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026.