Elkhorn Fire (2025-07-29)

298 acre wildfire (100% contained)

Durango, Colorado, United States

InciWeb page: COSJF Elkhorn Fire Status: Active Size: 298 acre Contained: 100%

Elkhorn Fire Live Perimeter Growth

Elkhorn Fire Fire Growth History

Elkhorn Fire Containment History

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Aug 06, 2025 Other

Missionary Ridge Area and Road Closure lifted including National Forest System roads 682 and 077, Missionary Ridge Road, and Wallace Lake Road. Fire management transitioned to local crews for continued monitoring.

Sources: San Juan National Forest | Missionary Ridge Road and area closure lifted for the Elkhorn Fire | Forest Service (2025-08-06)

Aug 05, 2025 Other

Mandatory evacuations downgraded to voluntary for Elkhorn and Celadon subdivisions as fire reaches 81% containment at 298 acres. Crews continue mop-up work in challenging Bear Creek drainage area.

Sources: Crews work slow and steady on Elkhorn fire, mandatory evacuations lifted - The Durango Herald (2025-08-05)

Aug 03, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 50% containment at 298 acres with more accurate mapping. Evacuation zones 3 and 5 remain on Level 2 (GET SET) status. 190 personnel working containment efforts.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: August 3 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-08-04)

Jul 31, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 5% containment at 323 acres. Public information meeting held at Animas Valley Elementary as officials warn fire expected to persist for coming weeks.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expected to persist for coming weeks - The Durango Herald (2025-07-31)

Jul 30, 2025 Road closure

San Juan National Forest issues area and road closure order for Missionary Ridge area including NFS roads 682 and 077, Missionary Ridge Road, and Wallace Lake Road for firefighter and public safety.

Sources: San Juan National Forest | Missionary Ridge Road and area closure issued for the Elkhorn Fire | Forest Service (2025-07-30)

Jul 30, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 5% containment at 344 acres after light rain moderates fire behavior. Crews make progress securing fire lines. Helicopters target rugged Bear Creek Canyon area with bucket drops.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 30 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-31)

Jul 29, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (LEAVE NOW) continues for 41 homes. Fire at 344 acres with 0% containment, moving northeast away from homes. 200 personnel deployed with evacuation shelter at Escalante Middle School.

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire grows to 314 acres overnight with 0% containment. Spot fires ignited in Bear Creek drainage. Helena Hotshots crew from Montana deployed. Fire moving northeast away from homes and infrastructure.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expands to 314 acres - The Durango Herald (2025-07-28)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Fire grows to 204 acres with 0% containment. Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. 150 personnel and aircraft deployed.

Sources: Colorado wildfires: 2 new wildfires spark in southwestern state, force evacuations (2025-07-27)

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Multiple road closures implemented including Missionary Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 682), Red Tail Mountain Road, Thunder Mountain Road, Star Peak Road, Elkhorn Road, Purple Sage Road, and Celadon Drive.

Sources: Evacuation order remains in place for wildfire near Durango, Colorado (2025-07-26)

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) ordered for 41 homes east of County Road 250/Highway 550 intersection near Celadon. Fire started at 5 p.m. when home under construction caught fire and spread to wildland.

Sources: Evacuations ordered for southwest Colorado residents due to wildfires burning in La Plata County - CBS Colorado (2025-07-26) 52 homes evacuated, more on alert from Elkhorn and Rim Road fires - The Durango Herald (2025-07-27)

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Aug 06, 2025 Other

Sources: San Juan National Forest | Missionary Ridge Road and area closure lifted for the Elkhorn Fire | Forest Service (2025-08-06)

Aug 05, 2025 Other

Mandatory evacuations lifted and downgraded to voluntary for Elkhorn and Celadon subdivisions as fire reaches 81% containment at 298 acres. Crews continue work on challenging Bear Creek drainage area.

Sources: Crews work slow and steady on Elkhorn fire, mandatory evacuations lifted - The Durango Herald (2025-08-05)

Aug 03, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 50% containment at 298 acres with more accurate mapping. Evacuation zones 3 and 5 remain on Level 2 (GET SET) status. 190 personnel working containment efforts.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: August 3 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-08-04)

Jul 31, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 5% containment at 323 acres. Public information meeting held at Animas Valley Elementary as officials warn fire expected to persist for coming weeks.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expected to persist for coming weeks - The Durango Herald (2025-07-31)

Jul 30, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 5% containment at 344 acres after light rain moderates fire behavior. Crews make progress securing fire lines. Helicopters target rugged Bear Creek Canyon area with bucket drops.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 30 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-31)

Jul 30, 2025 Road closure

San Juan National Forest issues area and road closure order for Missionary Ridge area including NFS roads 682 and 077, Missionary Ridge Road, and Wallace Lake Road for firefighter and public safety.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 30 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-31)

Jul 29, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire grows to 314 acres overnight with 0% containment. Spot fires ignited in Bear Creek drainage. Helena Hotshots crew from Montana deployed. Fire moving northeast away from homes and infrastructure.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expands to 314 acres - The Durango Herald (2025-07-28) Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Rim Road Fire evacuation orders lifted at 1 p.m. after reaching 25% containment at 114 acres. 11 homes previously evacuated now cleared to return with 100 crew members working suppression.

Sources: Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Fire grows to 204 acres with 0% containment. Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. 150 personnel and aircraft deployed.

Sources: Colorado wildfires: 2 new wildfires spark in southwestern state, force evacuations (2025-07-27) ELKHORN & RIM ROAD FIRES: Update July 27 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-28)

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) ordered for 41 homes east of County Road 250/Highway 550 intersection near Celadon. Fire started at 5 p.m. when home under construction caught fire and spread to wildland.

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Sources: La Plata County Colorado (2025-07-26) Evacuations ordered for southwest Colorado residents due to wildfires burning in La Plata County - CBS Colorado (2025-07-26)

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Aug 05, 2025 Other

Sources: Crews work slow and steady on Elkhorn fire, mandatory evacuations lifted - The Durango Herald (2025-08-05)

Aug 03, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 50% containment at 298 acres with more accurate mapping. Evacuation zones 3 and 5 remain on Level 2 (GET SET) status. 190 personnel working containment efforts.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: August 3 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-08-04)

Jul 31, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 5% containment at 323 acres. Public information meeting held at Animas Valley Elementary as officials warn fire expected to persist for coming weeks.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expected to persist for coming weeks - The Durango Herald (2025-07-31)

Jul 30, 2025 Road closure

San Juan National Forest issues area and road closure order for Missionary Ridge area including NFS roads 682 and 077, Missionary Ridge Road, and Wallace Lake Road for firefighter and public safety.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 30 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-31)

Jul 30, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 5% containment at 344 acres after light rain moderates fire behavior. Crews make progress securing fire lines. Helicopters target rugged Bear Creek Canyon area with bucket drops.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 30 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-31)

Jul 29, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire grows to 314 acres overnight with 0% containment. Spot fires ignited in Bear Creek drainage. Helena Hotshots crew from Montana deployed. Fire moving northeast away from homes and infrastructure.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expands to 314 acres - The Durango Herald (2025-07-28) Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Rim Road Fire evacuation orders lifted at 1 p.m. after reaching 25% containment at 114 acres. 11 homes previously evacuated now cleared to return with 100 crew members working suppression.

Sources: Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Fire grows to 204 acres with 0% containment. Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. 150 personnel and aircraft deployed.

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Sources: La Plata County Colorado (2025-07-26) Evacuations ordered for southwest Colorado residents due to wildfires burning in La Plata County - CBS Colorado (2025-07-26)

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) ordered for 41 homes east of County Road 250/Highway 550 intersection near Celadon. Fire started at 5 p.m. when home under construction caught fire and spread to wildland.

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Jul 30, 2025 Road closure

San Juan National Forest issues area and road closure order for Missionary Ridge area including NFS roads 682 and 077, Missionary Ridge Road, and Wallace Lake Road for firefighter and public safety.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 30 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-31)

Jul 30, 2025 Other

Fire reaches 5% containment at 344 acres after light rain moderates fire behavior. Crews make progress securing fire lines. Helicopters target rugged Bear Creek Canyon area with bucket drops to keep fire in check.

Sources: ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 30 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-31) Updates: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-30)

Jul 29, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Rim Road Fire evacuation orders lifted at 1 p.m. after reaching 25% containment at 114 acres. 11 homes previously evacuated now cleared to return with 100 crew members working suppression.

Sources: Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire grows to 314 acres overnight with 0% containment. Spot fires ignited in Bear Creek drainage. Helena Hotshots crew from Montana deployed. Fire moving northeast away from homes and infrastructure.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expands to 314 acres - The Durango Herald (2025-07-28) Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Fire grows to 204 acres with 0% containment. Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. 150 personnel and aircraft deployed.

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Sources: La Plata County Colorado (2025-07-26) Evacuations ordered for southwest Colorado residents due to wildfires burning in La Plata County - CBS Colorado (2025-07-26)

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) ordered for 41 homes east of County Road 250/Highway 550 intersection near Celadon. Fire started at 5 p.m. when home under construction caught fire and spread to wildland.

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Jul 29, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (LEAVE NOW) remains in effect for 41 homes. Fire at 344 acres with 0% containment, moving northeast away from homes. Evacuation shelter available at Escalante Middle School. 200 personnel deployed.

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire grows to 314 acres with 0% containment. Spot fires ignited in Bear Creek drainage. Helena Hotshots crew from Montana deployed. Fire moving northeast away from homes and infrastructure.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expands to 314 acres - The Durango Herald (2025-07-28) ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 28 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-29)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Rim Road Fire evacuation orders lifted at 1 p.m. Fire reached 25% containment at 114 acres with 100 crew members working suppression. 11 homes previously evacuated now cleared to return.

Sources: Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Fire grows to 204 acres with 0% containment. Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. 150 personnel and aircraft deployed.

Sources: Colorado wildfires: 2 new wildfires spark in southwestern state, force evacuations (2025-07-27) 52 homes evacuated, more on alert from Elkhorn and Rim Road fires - The Durango Herald (2025-07-27)

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) ordered for areas east of County Road 250/Highway 550 intersection near Celadon. Fire started at 5 p.m. when home under construction caught fire and spread to wildland.

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Sources: Evacuation order remains in place for wildfire near Durango, Colorado (2025-07-29) Evacuations ordered for southwest Colorado residents due to wildfires burning in La Plata County - CBS Colorado (2025-07-26)

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Jul 30, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (LEAVE NOW) remains in effect for 41 homes. Fire at 344 acres with 0% containment, moving northeast away from homes. Evacuation shelter open at Escalante Middle School. 200 personnel deployed.

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29) Evacuation order remains in place for wildfire near Durango, Colorado (2025-07-29)

Jul 29, 2025 Other

Fire grows to 344 acres with 0% containment. Fire moving northeast away from homes. Western perimeter contained closer to structures. 138,000 gallons of fire retardant dropped over weekend.

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Rim Road Fire evacuation orders lifted at 1 p.m. Fire reached 25% containment at 114 acres with 100 crew members working suppression.

Sources: Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28) Evacuation order remains in place for wildfire near Durango, Colorado (2025-07-29)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire grows to 314 acres, continues at 0% containment. Spot fires ignited in Bear Creek drainage. Elite Helena Hotshots crew from Montana deployed. No additional evacuations ordered despite growth.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expands to 314 acres - The Durango Herald (2025-07-28) ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 28 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-29)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Fire grows to 204 acres with 0% containment. Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. 150 personnel and aircraft deployed.

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) ordered for areas east of County Road 250/Highway 550 intersection near Celadon. Fire started as structure fire at 5 p.m. when home under construction caught fire and spread to wildland.

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Jul 29, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (LEAVE NOW) remains in effect for 41 homes in evacuation zones. Fire has grown to 344 acres with 0% containment, moving northeast away from homes. Evacuation shelter remains open at Escalante Middle School.

Sources: Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County | KSUT Public Radio (2025-07-29) Elkhorn and Rim Road fires force evacuations in La Plata County (2025-07-28)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Rim Road Fire evacuation orders lifted at 1 p.m. for homes in southern La Plata County. Fire reached 25% containment with 114 acres burned and 100 crew members working suppression.

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire continues to grow to 314 acres with 0% containment but moving northeast away from homes. Spot fires ignited in Bear Creek drainage. No additional evacuations ordered. Elite Helena Hotshots crew from Montana deployed.

Sources: Elkhorn Fire expands to 314 acres - The Durango Herald (2025-07-28) Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Fire grows to 204 acres with 0% containment. Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. 150 personnel and aircraft including air attack teams deployed.

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Elkhorn Fire Fire Alert Timeline

Jul 29, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (LEAVE NOW - Immediate threat to life) remains in effect for 41 homes in three evacuation zones. Fire has grown to approximately 344 acres with 0% containment. Very large air tanker and multiple helicopters deployed for suppression efforts.

Sources: Residents Told They Must Relocate—'Immediate Threat to Life' - Newsweek (2025-07-29) Evacuation order remains in place for wildfire near Durango, Colorado (2025-07-29)

Jul 28, 2025 Other

Fire continues to grow to 314 acres with 0% containment but moving northeast away from homes and communities. No additional evacuations ordered. Evacuation shelter remains open at Escalante Middle School. Fire burning primarily in San Juan National Forest.

Sources: Elkhorn fire near Durango grows, evacuations lifted for Rim Road wildfire in southwestern Colorado (2025-07-28) ELKHORN FIRE UPDATE: July 28 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-29)

Jul 27, 2025 Evacuation level 1

Level 1 evacuation (BE READY) issued for additional zones along Elkhorn Mountain Road and County Road 253. Fire has grown to 204 acres with 0% containment. Mandatory evacuation area bordered by Stevens Creek to south and County Roads 253, 250, and Animas River to west.

Sources: 2 new blazes force evacuations in southwest Colorado | Wildfires | gazette.com (2025-07-27) ELKHORN & RIM ROAD FIRES: Update July 27 – Pagosa Daily Post News Events & Video for Pagosa Springs Colorado (2025-07-28)

Jul 26, 2025 Road closure

Sources: Evacuations ordered near Durango, Colorado because of wildfires (2025-07-27) Rim Road, Elkhorn fires burning in southeastern Colorado, evacuations ordered (2025-07-27)

Jul 26, 2025 Evacuation level 3

Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) ordered for areas east of County Road 250/Highway 550 intersection near Celadon in northern La Plata County. Fire started as structure fire at 5 p.m. and spread to wildland. Shelter available at Escalante Middle School.

Sources: Colorado wildfires: 2 new wildfires spark in southwestern state, force evacuations (2025-07-27) Evacuations ordered for southwest Colorado residents due to wildfires burning in La Plata County - CBS Colorado (2025-07-26)