Blaze forces evacuations, destroys family cabin

Ridgway Marshal’s Office Sgt. Ryan Hanson listens to Ruth Higdon explain where her friend, Michael Covington, lives up County Road 14 in a yurt on June 27. Covington doesn’t have access to emergency alerts, and she was worried he would not know he should evacuate. Emergency responders later contacted Covington but he declined to evacuate, according to county officials. Photo by Erin McIntyre | Ouray County Plaindealer

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By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com, on July 1, 2026

No word when owners will be able to return

Rachel Nichols helped Russell McCrady when he needed emergency treatment for his dog.

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Fire surges into Cimarrons

Evacuations expand, forest closes as forecast offers little relief

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

A wildfire that started as a wisp of smoke on a cliffside just north of Ouray last weekend exploded to more than 15,000 acres by Wednesday, driven by winds north to the Cimarron Range east of Ridgway....

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Animal shelter evacuating due to Gold Mountain Fire

Emergency foster homes needed for animals

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

UPDATE at 3 p.m. Wednesday – ALL THE ANIMALS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED Second Chance Humane Society is evacuating today due to the Gold Mountain Fire now burning east of Ridgway. The shelter, located on Cou...

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July 4 water fights canceled, but parade decision in limbo

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 1, 2026

Ouray businesses and residents will have to hold their collective breath awhile longer until city officials decide whether the Fourth of July parade will go on as usual. City officials will announce b...

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Evacuation area expanded east of Ridgway, Ouray to discuss July 4 plans

City to hold meeting today at 4 p.m.

By Mike Wiggins

June 30, 2026

The city of Ouray is open but staff is not actively marketing to bring visitors to the area, City Administrator Michelle Metteer said this morning. “We are always looking to find a balance on what is ...

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Firefighters building, reinforcing lines, as high winds return today

By Mike Wiggins

June 30, 2026

Firefighters will focus their efforts today on building and reinforcing firelines in an effort to keep the Gold Mountain Fire from spreading south toward Ouray and west toward U.S. Highway 550. A tota...

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Emergency ballots available for primary election

Voters can participate online, turn in ballots at secure ballot boxes before 7 p.m. deadline

By Erin McIntyre

June 30, 2026

The polls and ballot boxes are open today and the Ouray County clerk wants you to know you have several ways you can vote, given the state of emergency and the Gold Mountain Fire. Ballots for the prim...

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Persistent windy, dry weather hampers firefighters

Feds to assume operational control today; Ouray Fourth of July celebration in doubt

By Mike Wiggins

June 29, 2026

UPDATE, 4:40 p.m.: Firefighters battling the 7,100-acre Gold Mountain Fire on the ground and in the air are focused on preventing the blaze from crossing County Road 14A. Fire crews consider that road...

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Evacuees in limbo as fire grows

By Mike Wiggins and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com

June 28, 2026

Dottie Miller hopped online on Friday, running over checklists of items to take with her in the event of an emergency. It’s practically an annual ritual for her, just to make sure she has everything s...

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Ouray cancels Fourth of July fireworks

By Mike Wiggins

June 28, 2026

The city of Ouray has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks display in light of dangerous fire conditions. Brooke Warren, a spokeswoman for the city, said this morning Fire Chief Adam Kunz made the de...

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Extreme fire danger persists

Gold Mountain Fire burns as more firefighting resources expected to arrive

By Mike Wiggins And Erin Mcintyre

June 28, 2026

Ouray County and southwestern Colorado are under a red flag warning until 10 p.m. today, as forecasters this morning warned gusty winds and low humidity will create dangerous fire weather conditions. ...

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Gold Mountain Fire grows, prompts evacuations north of Ouray

By Mike Wiggins

June 27, 2026

Click here to read the NEW, UPDATED STORY POSTED AT 10:20 a.m. Sunday, June 28 here. UPDATE, 11:16 p.m.: A pre-evacuation notice has been issued for County Road 17 from Whispering Pines to Black Lake....

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines