Two wildfires broke out south and southeast of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on Sunday, prompting mandatory evacuation orders as crews battled hot, dry conditions across the region.
Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency Sunday evening in response to the fastest-growing of the two blazes.
Green Ridge Fire Triggers Mandatory Evacuations
The Green Ridge Fire ignited shortly before 1:45 p.m. Sunday south of Stagecoach Reservoir and Stagecoach State Park, roughly 16 to 17 miles south of Steamboat Springs. The blaze is burning on private land but could spread onto Forest Service property.
By Sunday evening, the fire had grown to about 25 acres with zero containment. Officials estimate around 480 structures sit within three miles of the flames, and at least 20 homes fall under mandatory evacuation orders.
Key details residents should know:
- Mandatory evacuations cover zones OC-522 and OC-523, with residents told to leave immediately.
- Pre-evacuation alerts remain active for zones OC-521, OC-528, OC-529, OC-531, and OC-536.
- An evacuation center has opened at SOROCO High School, 305 Grant Avenue in Oak Creek, though it is currently for information only and not set up as an overnight shelter.
- Three helicopters have been assigned to help slow the fire’s spread.
Routt County officials did not mince words in their warning to residents. “LEAVE NOW. Do not delay to pack belongings,” the county said in a social media alert.
Fishhook Fire Burns Near Rabbit Ears Pass
The second blaze, called the Fishhook Fire, started around 12:30 p.m. Sunday about four miles southeast of Mount Werner near Rabbit Ears Pass. It is burning on Routt National Forest land, and the U.S. Forest Service says it received a heavy initial aerial response.
The fire has grown to roughly 20 acres, with smoke clearly visible from downtown Steamboat Springs and the base of the ski resort. So far, no evacuations have been ordered for this fire, though officials are asking hikers and campers in the area to stay alert and be ready to leave on short notice.
Both fires are burning as temperatures in Steamboat Springs climbed above 90 degrees Sunday, with low humidity and dry fuels adding to the danger. No injuries or structural losses have been reported from either fire as of the latest updates, and the cause of both remains under investigation.
The new fires add to an already active wildfire season in Colorado, with several other major blazes burning statewide amid persistent heat and drought conditions. Authorities are urging residents in and around Routt County to monitor official alerts closely and follow evacuation orders without delay.
