Wildfire Disaster Declared in Western Colorado Counties

Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster for Montrose, Delta, and Mesa counties in response to multiple lightning-sparked wildfires that broke out on July 10 and quickly spread across western Colorado and into eastern Utah. The Turner Gulch Fire in Mesa County grew rapidly from 1,500 to over 8,000 acres within a day, prompting evacuations along Highway 141, while the Wright Draw and Sowbelly Fires also remain uncontained. The South Rim Fire, now nearly 4,000 acres, has led to the closure and evacuation of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and nearby communities. Extreme drought, dry fuels, and shifting winds are fueling unpredictable fire behavior, leaving multiple fires at 0% containment. The Deer Creek Fire in eastern Utah has destroyed several buildings, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported. Both state and federal emergency operations have been activated, and residents are urged to follow evacuation orders.