Gold Mountain Fire Grows to 37,962 Acres as Helicopters Drop 50,000 Gallons of Water
Description: The Gold Mountain Fire remains 13% contained as crews strengthen firelines and helicopters deliver about 50,000 gallons of water during increased activity...
Published: 07/20/2026
Byline: SECO News
Evening Operations Update (7/19): The #GoldMountainFire saw a slight increase in acres to 37,962, remains at 13% contained, and has 967 personnel.
Today's weather brought a few isolated thunderstorms north and far southeast of the fire area. While additional showers are possible overnight and into tomorrow, dry air across the region has limited how much of the rainfall is reaching the ground. Warmer and drier conditions also led to a moderate increase in fire activity today, particularly on the west side of the Middle Fork, where helicopters continued bucket drop operations in Division Foxtrot.
Firefighters continued making steady progress across the incident. Crews in Division A-D remained focused on mop-up and patrol, ensuring completed sections of fireline continue to hold. In Division Foxtrot, firefighters also continued mop-up, patrol, and relocating dozers to support ongoing operations.
Lines in Divisions Hotel and Kilo are now in place, with crews wrapping up line preparation through chipping and other improvement work. In Division Papa, a log deck has been established to assist with line construction, and firefighters estimate approximately two more days will be needed to complete objectives in that area.
In Division Romeo, crews continue preparing an old roadbed through the Pinnacles into the East Fork drainage, tying lines into natural barriers. Hoses and sprinkler systems are also being installed to strengthen and support the line. Meanwhile, Division Uniform continues making progress constructing lines from the high mesa toward the Cimarron area.
Aviation resources remained busy throughout the day, responding to the increase in fire activity. Helicopters delivered approximately 50,000 gallons of water to support firefighters on the ground, while reconnaissance aircraft and the UAS provided critical aerial intelligence and heat detection to help guide suppression efforts. Swing shift firefighters will continue operations into the evening.
Photo one of crews working on line, courtesy of Donavun Davis, Engine Boss assigned to the Gold Mountain Fire. Photo two of chipping crews, courtesy of Geoff Butler assigned to Division Kilo.
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