Willow Fire
Coverage of Willow Fire in the Nexus archive.
- These 'irreplaceable' fish, evacuated as the Willow Fire neared Leadville, are heading back home
Thousands of 'irreplaceable' fish, including federally threatened greenback cutthroats, were evacuated from the Leadville National Fish Hatchery due to the Willow Fire and are now returning home. The hatchery, which supports Colorado's fishing industry, relocated nearly 150,000 fish to safety as mandatory evacuations were enforced.
- Aspen Acres fire crews patrol western edge, after hot, dry conditions test defenses
Increased fire activity in Custer County led to reinstated mandatory evacuation orders. Fire crews are patrolling the western edge of the Aspen Acres fire amid hot, dry conditions. Updates are provided for multiple fires including Hartman Hill, Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow, Fishhook, and Elk.
- Aspen Acres fire surpasses 100,000 acres as crews increase containment to more than 60%
The Aspen Acres fire has surpassed 100,000 acres, with crews increasing containment to over 60%. Rain fell across parts of the state on Friday, yielding mixed results for the Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow, Fishhook, and Elk fires.
- Could the Leadville Trail 100 save the town from their tourism slump? Businesses, residents hope so.
The Leadville Trail 100 race series is continuing despite the ongoing Willow Fire, offering hope for a tourism boost in Leadville, where over 70% of the economy relies on tourism. Businesses and residents report a 40% decline in out-of-market visitors since June due to drought, fires, and heat, but organizers anticipate improved conditions by August.
- Colorado’s drought isn’t impacting water access to fight wildfires, officials say
Colorado’s drought is not affecting water availability for fighting wildfires, according to officials. Response teams for the Willow, Aspen Acres, and Ferris fires report no issues accessing water to combat the blazes.
- Could the Leadville Trail 100 save the town from their tourism slump? Businesses, residents hope so.
The Leadville Trail 100 race series is proceeding despite the ongoing Willow Fire, offering hope for boosting tourism in Leadville, which relies on tourism for over 70% of its economy. A 40% decline in out-of-market visitors since mid-June has prompted local businesses and officials to welcome the event as a potential economic relief.
- Aspen Acres fire leaps over containment line as hot, dry conditions continue in southern Colorado
The Aspen Acres fire in southern Colorado has exceeded 99,820 acres and breached a containment line due to hot, dry conditions. Additional updates are provided for the Gold Mountain, Willow, Ferris, Fishhook, Green Ridge, and Elk fires.
- CPW shares images from the efforts to save fish from wildfire in Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff evacuated thousands of greenback cutthroat trout and Hayden Creek cutthroat trout from the Leadville National Fish Hatchery due to the Willow Fire. The fish were relocated to other hatcheries, with some released for fishing opportunities, as the fire burned over 6,000 acres near Leadville and is now 40% contained.
- Aspen Acres fire remains “serious threat” to homes in southern Colorado as new team takes command
The Aspen Acres fire in southern Colorado remains a serious threat to the town of Rye despite being 36% contained. Updates are provided on the Gold Mountain, Willow, and Ferris fires.
- Hotter weather, stronger winds provide no relief as Aspen Acres fire approaches 100,000 acres
The Aspen Acres fire nears 100,000 acres with 36% containment amid hotter weather and stronger winds offering no relief. Updates are provided on the Gold Mountain, Ferris, and Willow fires in Pueblo and Custer Counties.
- The latest on Colorado's major wildfires | July 14
Firefighters are working to contain four major wildfires in Colorado, including the Aspen Acres Fire, Ferris Fire, Willow Fire, and Gold Mountain Fire, which have become some of the largest in state history. These fires began in June 2026 and are being tracked by Denver7 as efforts continue to protect communities and infrastructure.
- Willow Fire near Leadville was caused by humans, officials say
A wildfire near Leadville, known as the Willow Fire, was caused by human activity, according to officials. The fire is burning just a few miles from the town.
- Willow Fire near Leadville was caused by humans, officials say
The Willow Fire burning near Leadville was caused by humans, as confirmed by officials. The wildfire is located just a few miles from the town of Leadville.
- Colorado wildfires spark massive Salvation Army relief effort
Thousands of people displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire in Colorado are receiving emergency assistance from The Salvation Army, which is providing food, supplies, and emotional support. The fire has destroyed over 256 homes and scorched 96,000 acres, with relief efforts expected to span years. A donor has pledged to match donations up to $50,000 for wildfire relief.
- Forecasting for fires: Inside the role of an incident-specific meteorologist at the Gold Mountain Fire
Scott Stearns, a National Weather Service meteorologist, serves as an incident meteorologist for the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County, Colorado. His role involves forecasting weather conditions to support fire management and public safety. He works alongside other incident meteorologists assigned to wildfires across Colorado.
- Willow Fire: Lake County Regional Airport in Leadville closes to all flights other than for medical transport
The Willow Fire has grown to 4,143 acres, prompting new evacuation orders and closure of the Lake County Regional Airport to all flights except medical transport. The fire, burning near Turquoise Lake and Leadville, has 1% containment, with updated evacuation zones and re-entry plans announced by authorities.
- More evacuations ordered as Willow Fire near Leadville grows to nearly 4K acres
The Willow Fire in Lake County near Leadville has expanded to nearly 4,000 acres, leading to additional evacuations on Sunday morning.
- Damage assessment teams begin work in Aspen Acres fire zone as weather gives firefighters an edge
Damage assessment teams are working in the Aspen Acres fire zone as the Willow fire near Leadville grew by 900 acres overnight, leading to mandatory evacuations southwest of the city. The Ouray 100 race was canceled due to the Gold Mountain fire.
- New evacuation orders after "significant growth" on Colorado wildfire
Authorities overseeing the Willow Fire west of Leadville in Colorado issued new evacuation and pre-evacuation orders after the wildfire grew by nearly 1,000 acres in 24 hours.
- More evacuations ordered as Willow Fire near Leadville grows to nearly 4K acres
The Willow Fire in Lake County near Leadville has expanded to nearly 4,000 acres, leading to additional evacuations on Sunday morning. Authorities ordered more evacuations as the fire continues to grow.
- Fast-moving wildfires scorch thousands of acres across the West, and there’s more danger ahead
Fast-moving wildfires are scorching thousands of acres across the western United States, driven by low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds. The Aspen Acres Fire in Colorado burned over 28,000 acres and 155 structures, while the Snyder Fire killed three firefighters. Evacuations are ongoing as dangerous fire weather persists through the week.
- Wildfires burning thousands of acres across western Colorado, including one prompting evacuations near Leadville
Wildfires are burning thousands of acres across western Colorado, with the Willow fire near Mount Massive causing evacuations near Leadville and closures of campgrounds and trails around Turquoise Lake. Other lightning-caused fires are also active in the region.
- Mandatory evacuations issued in Lake County wildfire
Mandatory evacuations have been issued in Lake County, Colorado, due to the Willow Fire, which has burned over 1,000 acres near Twin Mounds and Mount Massive. The fire is on U.S. Forest Service land, and evacuations cover multiple roads, trails, and campgrounds. No injuries or structural losses have been reported, and the cause remains undisclosed.
- Mandatory evacuations issued in Lake County wildfire
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for several areas in Lake County, Colorado, due to the Willow Fire near Twin Mounds and Mount Massive. The fire, estimated at five to 20 acres, is growing but has not caused injuries or structural damage. Resources from local, state, and federal agencies are responding, and displaced residents can seek assistance at the Family Assistance Center.