What are the names and locations of the wildfires?
As of July 9, 2026, four major wildfires are burning across Colorado and Utah, scorching more than 220,000 acres combined and triggering evacuations, road closures, and large firefighting operations.
The Snyder Fire is burning 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 Ouray County, Colorado, east of U.S. Highway 550 near Ouray and Ridgway (4).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
The following cities and areas are affected by the active wildfires burning 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 July 9, 2026, firefighters continue battling all four fires under hot, dry, and windy conditions.
The Snyder Fire has burned 30,202 acres and is 98% contained, with crews using aircraft and heavy equipment to protect communities and strengthen containment lines.
The Babylon Fire has grown to 101,073 acres and remains 21% contained as firefighters work to establish control lines in difficult terrain.
The Ferris Fire has burned 60,105 acres and is 19% contained following its merger with the Doe Canyon Fire.
The Gold Mountain Fire has burned 31,458 acres in Ouray County and remains 8% contained as firefighters continue structure protection and suppression operations.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect for several communities threatened by the fires.
All evacuation orders and warnings associated with the Snyder Fire were lifted by July 1 following improved fire conditions.
As of July 6, 2026, the Babylon Fire has prompted a Level 2 "Set" (Yellow) evacuation status for the CY 1, CY 2, Peters Hill West, Airport 1, Energy, and SJC 1 zones.
The Ferris Fire remains under Level 3 evacuation orders near Lone Dome Road, Bradfield Campground, Glade Ranch Subdivision, and McPhee Dam, while Level 1 notices remain east of Lone Mesa State Park.
The Gold Mountain Fire continues under Level 3 evacuation orders for Panoramic Heights, Lake Lenore, Peck's Trailer Park, Red Stone Road, and Cow Creek, with Level 2 warnings in effect for nearby communities including Black Lake and Whispering Pines.
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 July 9, 2026, the Snyder Fire is 98% contained, the Babylon Fire is 21% contained, the Ferris Fire is 19% contained, and the Gold Mountain Fire is 8% contained.
