Multiple Colorado Wildfires Force Evacuations, Power Outages

Wildfires sparked by lightning have led to the evacuation and closure of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Montrose County, Colorado, with blazes burning on both the North and South Rims under extreme fire danger conditions. High temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds have triggered red flag warnings and Stage 1 fire restrictions in the region. In addition to the park, evacuations are underway in nearby campgrounds and forest areas. Separately, a wildfire in Chaffee County near Buena Vista has forced the evacuation of the Mountain View Estates subdivision, issued pre-evacuation notices for nearby areas, and caused power outages affecting over 7,400 people. Animal shelters and rodeo grounds have been designated for evacuees’ pets and livestock. These incidents underscore the heightened wildfire risk across western Colorado due to ongoing hot, dry, and windy conditions.