Colorado Wildfire Status Update: Thursday July 2, 2026 10AM

We provide a brief status update on the largest and most impactful wildfires burning across Colorado as of Thursday July 2, 2026 at 10AM.

⚠️ NOTE: Fire danger and growth will remain a major concern through Friday for most of these fires due to persistently warm, dry and windy atmospheric conditions across Colorado. More favorable conditions, mainly less wind and slightly higher humidity, is expected to arrive over the weekend, though an increase in dry lightning may spark new fires.

Aspen Acres Fire — 49,300 acres, 0% contained

Started Monday morning ~30 miles southwest of Pueblo in southern Colorado. Currently the state’s largest active fire. More than doubled in size since Tuesday under extreme fire weather conditions. Numerous but unknown number of structures have been lost, including some of the town of Beulah. Air support has been used effectively to save many structures. Large evacuation footprint in Pueblo County. Continued growth expected Thursday and Friday.

Snyder Fire — 30,200 acres, 49% contained

Started Saturday. Roughly 20 miles west of Grand Junction. Technically ignited in Utah and merged with another Utah fire before crossing into Colorado. Sadly claimed the lives of three firefighters with its explosive growth over the weekend. Burning in a relatively remote area of scrub forest over mesas and canyons. Fire has not grown significantly since Tuesday despite Red Flag conditions due to limited fuel availability and the unique terrain.

Ferris Fire — 27,400 acres, 0% contained
Started Saturday. Burning in remote terrain north of Cortez within the San Juan Mountains. Has merged with another nearby fire. Has grown 40% in last 48 hours as it continues its push down Doe Canyon toward the Dolores River. Crews are bracing for the fire to reach the river today, where smoke-filled overnight inversions have slowed growth but not stopped its advance. More than 280 personnel, including engines, dozers, hotshot crews, heavy helicopters, and air tankers, are working the fire

Gold Mountain Fire — 18.000 acres, 0% contained
Started Saturday just north of Ouray along a highway. More than doubled in size since Tuesday driven by critically dry fuels, warm temperatures, and persistent southwest winds. A total of 380 personnel is assigned to the fire, working day and night shifts focused on structure protection. The northern perimeter remains challenging, with direct attack often unsafe. Firefighters are prioritizing structure protection while identifying natural barriers for future containment. Red Flag conditions are expected to elevate fire behavior from moderate to extreme Thursday and Friday.

Willow Fire — 2,200 acres, 0% contained
Started Sunday west of Leadville. Exploded to over 1,000 acres within hours. NW Leadville currently under pre-evac notice. Slow growth. Activity has fluctuated over the past several days, with helicopters conducting bucket drops when winds allow and crews working to cool hotspots and scout safe access points for constructing fire lines. Aircraft have been intermittently grounded due to high winds. Colorado Trail thru hikers have been diverted and/or sheltered.

Sheep Head Fire — 1,200 acres, 50% contained
Started Monday afternoon about 20 miles west of Walsenburg. This is a fairly remote area and fortunately the fire has not really grown in the last few days as firefighters continue to strengthen fire lines and mop up hotspots.

More details on individual fires can be found on WatchDuty.

Check the latest smoke forecast for your area over on our Colorado Smoke Forecast page.