Gold Mountain Fire Holds at 27% Containment as Flash Flood Risk Continues

Description: The Gold Mountain Fire remains at 38,052 acres and 27% containment as crews patrol fire lines, expand suppression repair and prepare for flash flooding near burn scars...


Published: 6 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

Gold Mountain Fire Update - July 25, 2026
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2
Incident Commander Rodney Redinger
 
Size: 38,052 acres | Containment: 27% | Cause: Undetermined | Start Date: June 27, 2026 @ 5:33p.m.
Location: Approx. 2 miles NE of Ouray, CO | Total Personnel: 802
 
Safety Message: Flash flooding is still a threat, especially in areas within the fire footprint. Storms will be more favorable in the South and East with increased terrain-driven winds, lightning, and outflows throughout the area. A reminder that recently burned areas will not absorb water at the same rate as unburned areas which can cause conditions to exacerbate quickly. Please be mindful of weather changes in or around your area.
 
Current Conditions: Fire activity remains low to moderate. Crews are still patrolling all divisions of the fire area. The primary objective will be focused on strengthening containment lines and using Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) within the Uncompahgre Wilderness Area. MIST techniques are used to manage and contain fires with the least possible damage to the natural environment, cultural resources, and wilderness areas.
 
Sprinklers and pumps are being utilized along the East Fork Drainage to minimize the potential spread and to protect any wilderness values at risk, as fire slowly backs down the slope toward the valley bottom. Containment line to Johnson Park Road is completed. Merchantable timber is being hauled from constructed containment lines, to be stacked and decked. Chippers are being used for the removal of smaller debris. Log hauling trucks continue to stay active along Forest Road 858 as crews remove felled trees to improve the fire line near the Cimarron Creek subdivision. Division Z remains unstaffed, but aerial patrols continue. As containment increases, crews are expanding suppression repair. Initial attack crews continue to be available for response within the temporary flight restricted area for response to any new start fires that can occur during projected lightening events. Aircraft support that is shared with the Elk Fire may assist when needed, as weather permits. As the weekend progresses firefighters are back hauling unneeded and equipment.
 
Weather and Fire Behavior: Weather is expected to be similar to yesterday. Monsoonal moisture will promote storm development over the high country, producing heavy, short-duration precipitation, lighting, small hail, and strong outflow winds. Interior smoldering can be expected to continue and may produce smoke, especially during warmer, drier conditions. Flash flooding remains a major concern and current forecasts do not reflect extended drying trends.
 
Air Quality – Scan the QR code at the top for the link to the current Gold Mountain Fire Smoke Outlook report.
 
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): To get the exact restricted airspace over the Gold Mountain Fire, go to: tfr.faa.gov. The NOTAM Number is FDC 6/8012.
 
#goldmountainfire Information
Phone: (970) 355-3286 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Email: 2026.goldmountain@firenet.gov
Facebook: Gold Mountain Fire
 


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