Firefighters are working across Colorado to protect communities and infrastructure as multiple major wildfires continue burning.
Denver7 has been tracking the state's four largest wildfires of 2026 — the Aspen Acres, Ferris, Willow and Gold Mountain fires — since they ignited in late June, as well as several smaller fires that started in July. Firefighters continue working to achieve containment and protect communities.
Click on each of the below stories to read the latest on each of these fires as we head into a dry and hot summer.
Aspen Acres Fire
The Aspen Acres Fire began burning in Custer and Pueblo counties on the morning of June 29. It is now one of the largest wildfires in state history. The 101,961-acre blaze has destroyed more than 850 structures and is 67% contained at last check. The human-caused fire ranks among Colorado's most destructive wildfires by the number of homes destroyed. Although the cause has been determined, the exact manner and origin of the blaze are not yet known.
Wildfire
Aspen Acres Fire: Highways 165, 78 to reopen
Willow Fire
The Willow Fire in Lake County, just south of Turquoise Lake and west of Leadville, was first reported on June 28. The 7,196-acre blaze is at 66% containment at last check. At least 14 people have been injured. No structural losses have been reported. The fire was human-caused, but the exact manner and origin of the blaze are not yet known.
Wildfire
Willow Fire: All evacuation orders lifted; some areas in pre-evacuation status
Ferris Fire
The Ferris Fire began burning in Dolores and Montezuma counties on June 27. The lightning-sparked blaze has grown to become one of the largest wildfires in state history. The fire sits at 64,881 acres and 97% containment at last check. No injuries or structural loss have been reported.
Wildfire
Ferris Fire: Wildfire in Dolores, Montezuma counties now 97% contained
Gold Mountain Fire
The Gold Mountain Fire began burning north of Ouray in Ouray County on June 27. The lightning-sparked blaze has grown to 39,506 acres. It sits at 64% containment at last check. No injuries or structural loss have been reported. A pilot in a firefighting helicopter died at this fire on July 12 after crashing into a reservoir.
Wildfire
Gold Mountain Fire: Burned areas along US 550 corridor remain prone to flooding
Elk Fire
The Elk Fire sparked on July 9 in the Uncompahgre Wilderness Area of northern Hinsdale County, just east of the Gold Mountain Fire. The lightning-caused fire has burned 2,317 acres in remote and rugged terrain. It is 49% contained.
Wildfire
Elk Fire burning in Hinsdale County now 49% contained, 2,317 acres in size
Steamboat Springs-area fires
Two fires broke out on July 12 near Steamboat Springs: The Fishhook Fire and the Green Ridge Fire. The Fishhook Fire burned 309 acres before it was fully contained. It is less than a mile from Highway 40 on Rabbits Ears Pass. No mandatory evacuations are in place. The Green Ridge Fire south of Stagecoach State Park, which forced evacuations, burned 41 acres before it was fully contained.
Wildfire
Steamboat-area fires: Green Ridge and Fishhook Fires 100% contained
PL Gulch Fire
This fire burned 1,580 acres before it was fully contained about 20 miles southwest of Meeker. It was first reported on July 13.
Wildfire