Firefighters across Colorado are battling at least four active wildfires on the Western Slope, where dry conditions have fueled rapid fire growth, closed parts of a national park, and burned thousands of acres.

The largest of the fires, the South Rim Fire, continues to burn inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The fire has grown to over 3,500 acres and remains 0% contained. The park’s South Rim is closed, and evacuations have taken place.

Elsewhere:

  • The Sowbelly Fire in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area (Delta and Mesa counties) has burned more than 2,300 acres.
  • The Wright Draw Fire has scorched 160 acres off Highway 141, northeast of Gateway.
  • The Turner Gulch Fire, also near Gateway and off Highway 141, has consumed 512 acres.

No containment figures have been released for the smaller fires. Crews from federal, state, and local agencies are on scene. Authorities urge extreme caution and remind the public to avoid fire areas, stay alert to changing conditions, and follow evacuation orders if issued.

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