Wildfire Crisis on Western Slope

Multiple fires continue to threaten Western Colorado, including the Knowles Fire, where four firefighters died, Gold Mountain Fire, and newer fires near Parachute, Hinsdale County, and Ruedi Reservoir. Gold Mountain is about 87% contained, while Colorado seeks federal disaster aid after 324 homes were destroyed and damage exceeded $500 million. Stage 2 restrictions, underfunded rural departments, extreme heat, lightning, and flash-flood/debris-flow risks keep the crisis active; a statewide ballot measure could add major mitigation funding.