Colorado Wildfires Consume Nearly 150,000 Acres, Evacuations Reissued
Four major wildfires in Colorado—Aspen Acres, Gold Mountain, Elk, and Willow—have collectively burned nearly 150,000 acres (233 square miles) as of July 21, 2026. The Aspen Acres fire, the largest of the four, has consumed 101,546 acres and is 61% contained. It has destroyed approximately 900 structures, including 337 homes. The Gold Mountain fire has burned 38,044 acres with 24% containment, while the Elk fire has consumed 2,307 acres with no containment. The Willow fire has burned 7,196 acres and is 41% contained. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for multiple counties, including Custer, Pueblo, Ouray, Gunnison, and Lake. Firefighting efforts involve over 3,000 personnel across the state. Lower temperatures and higher humidity are expected to reduce fire activity in the coming days. 
