Elk Fire in Hinsdale County

Smoke from the Elk Fire six miles north of Lake City yesterday afternoon. It tried to rain, we got wind instead. This likely grew the fire and created lots of terrifying and angry looking smoke. Let’s hope for the opposite today. Last update it was still under 600 acres, and there’s forecasted chances of rain everyday for a week. Follow Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management for updates.

The winds died with the hope of rain pretty quickly yesterday, and the smoke calmed down overnight. The last photo is this morning.

"Elk Fire information boards are now located throughout Lake City, at the Country Store, Post Office, Bs Cabin and the Lake City Library. These boards will be updated daily with new information.A fire information line has been established and will be staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. That number is (970) 299-5357. Fire updates will provided daily through email and on the Hinsdale County Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hinsdalecountycolorado/ and Lake City locals Facebook page. The GMUG Forest Service Facebook page will also contain updates."

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Photos taken on 7/14, about 10 miles north of town.

Update 8/5- The Fire awoke after a several dry hot windy days. Click here for the update.

Mon the monsoons!

Update 7/17

The fire has now grown to just over 2000 acres. Thankfully the last two days have brought rain. Last night was the clearest I’ve seen it since this all began. Hopeful the situation is improving, and the forecasted rains are incredibly wet and not sparky/windy!

Update 7/20

The Elk Fire has grown to 2300 acres, but rains have come to keep the fire in check. Skies have been clear of smoke for a couple days now, and the anxiety and uncertainty of last week is also been relieved, for now. Lake City and all its businesses are open!  This is a sunset looking over the Lake Fork River, near the fire, last night. Keep the fires in the sky keep thinking rainy thoughts!! We need more rain!