Willow Fire

DAILY UPDATES:  English (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.

CURRENT SITUATION: Crews made steady progress across multiple areas of the Willow Fire yesterday. The San Juan Interagency Hotshot Crew completed a key section of handline in the Bald Eagle Mountain area, securing an important piece of the fire’s northern perimeter. Along the east side, from the powerline road down to the fish hatchery and into the bottom of Willow Creek, firefighters continue with indirect containment strategies. No heat was detected within 200 feet of the control line yesterday, and mop‑up continues to reinforce those gains. In the Mount Massive Wilderness,  a small, specialized team, called a Wildland Fire Module, is actively extinguishing spot fires, addressing pockets of heat, and strengthening containment lines in the southwest corner. Suppression repair continues to be a larger focus across the incident, particularly from the northeast through the southeast portions of the fire

EVACUATIONS: For current closure and evacuation information, please follow Lake County Office of Emergency Management.

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

ROAD CLOSURES: While forest roads within the fire perimeter are closed to the public, main thoroughfares remain open for public use. Motorists should remain alert for increased fire traffic in the Willow Fire area.

Colorado Department of Transportation road map

FOREST AREA CLOSURE:  The #WillowFire Area Closure has been reduced to a smaller portion of the #LeadvilleRD. This Order shall be in effect from July 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM through September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM, unless rescinded earlier. 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!”