Colorado Western Slope Wildfires Destroy 7000+ Acres, Prompt Evacuations

Four wildfires sparked by lightning have destroyed over 7,000 acres on Colorado’s western slope, prompting Governor Jared Polis to issue a disaster declaration and mobilize state resources to assist hundreds of firefighters already on the ground. The largest, the South Rim Fire in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, has forced the evacuation and closure of the entire park, the Bostwick Park community, and key roads, as it remains at zero percent containment and continues to grow amid hot, dry, and windy conditions. Firefighting efforts are focused on protecting critical infrastructure, including a dam and power lines, using both ground crews and aerial support. The Blue Mesa Reservoir has been closed for boating to allow aircraft to collect water for firefighting operations. Other fires, like the Sowbelly fire in Delta and Mesa counties, are also complicating containment efforts due to rugged terrain and persistent dry lightning. Residents in affected areas remain under mandatory evacuation orders, with no clear timeline for when the fires will be contained or when closures will be lifted.