Willow Fire Active 2026

DAILY UPDATES:  English (pdf)   |    Actualización del Incendio (pdf)    |  Operational Update (Video)  

MAPS:  Public Information   |   Progression

INITIAL SITUATION:  The Willow Fire located approximately 6 miles west of Leadville, CO, started on June 28, 2026. Southwest Area Team 4, led by Incident Commander, Andrew Mandell, assumed command at 7:00 a.m. on June 30, 2026.

CURRENT SITUATION: A slight increase in fire activity may occur today due to diminished thunderstorm activity. Low fuel moistures and drier air are also contributing factors. Air and ground crews continue working hard to add depth to fire lines from the northwest up and around to the Fish Hatchery. Hotshot crews are deployed in the Mount Massive Wilderness where they are hiking in and will use direct extinguishment strategies along with minimal impact suppression tactics (MIST).
 

EVACUATIONS: For current closure and evacuation information, please follow Lake County Office of Emergency Management. We ask that the public respect the closures and evacuation area and avoid the area of Mt Massive and Hagerman Pass.  

Lakecountyco.gov |  Sign up for Emergency Alerts  | Willow Fire Evacuation & Road Closures Map

FOREST AREA CLOSURE:  Portions of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests are temporarily closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources. This order is in place until Sept. 30, 2026. The closure includes portions of the Leadville Ranger District. Persons violating the closure order are subject to fines. To view the full closure order visit their website’s alerts sections.

Forest Order & Map (pdf)   

KNOW WHERE YOU CAN FLY: Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. A FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. For more information on drones the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org “If you fly, we can’t!”