What are the names and locations of the wildfires?
As of August 13, 2026, major wildfires across Colorado and Utah have burned more than 235,000 acres combined. Three of the four major fires are now fully contained, while the Gold Mountain Fire remains active, with firefighting operations ongoing.
The Snyder Fire burned on Snyder Mesa in Mesa and Grand counties, Colorado, near the Utah border and the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (1).
The Babylon Fire is burning in the San Juan County portion of the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Blanding and Bears Ears National Monument, prompting closures in Canyonlands National Park's Needles District (2).
The Ferris Fire is burning across Montezuma and Dolores counties after merging with the Doe Canyon Fire, threatening rural communities and recreation areas (3).
The Gold Mountain Fire is burning in southwest Colorado, originating just two miles north of the City of Ouray near County Road 14. The wildfire has expanded across the Uncompahgre National Forest, burning actively through the Cimarron Ridge, Owl Creek Pass, and Silver Jack Reservoir areas across Ouray, Gunnison, Montrose, and Hinsdale counties (4).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
The following cities and areas are affected by the wildfires across Colorado and Utah:
- Snyder Fire: Fruita, Glade Park, Grand Junction, Loma, Snyder Mesa, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Pollock Canyon Estates, and nearby areas along the Colorado River corridor.
- Babylon Fire: Babylon Pasture, Bears Ears National Monument, Blanding, Monticello, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Canyonlands National Park, and surrounding areas.
- Ferris Fire: Dolores, Lone Mesa State Park, McPhee Dam, Bradfield Campground, Glade Ranch Subdivision, and nearby communities in Montezuma County.
- Gold Mountain Fire: Ouray, Ridgway, Panoramic Heights, Black Lake, Cow Creek, Whispering Pines, and nearby mountain communities.
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of August 13, 2026, containment status varies across the affected fires:
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Snyder Fire: 28,264 acres burned; 100% contained as of July 18.
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Babylon Fire: 107,189 acres burned; 100% contained as of August 12.
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Ferris Fire: 64,881 acres burned; 100% contained as of August 6.
- Gold Mountain Fire: 39,674 acres burned; 87% contained, with structure protection and suppression operations ongoing.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
All evacuation orders and warnings associated with the Snyder Fire, Babylon Fire, and Ferris Fire were lifted by July 1, July 17, and August 6, respectively, following improved fire conditions.
On August 6, evacuation status for the Gold Mountain Fire was further downgraded from Level 2 to Level 1 in Gunnison County as fire conditions continued to improve.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of August 13, 2026, the Gold Mountain Fire is 87% contained. The Snyder Fire, Babylon Fire, and Ferris Fire are 100% contained, having reached full containment on July 18, August 12, and August 6, respectively.
