Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on

A firefighter with the Log Hill Volunteer Fire Department sprays the crowd during the city of Ouray's annual Fourth of July parade on Saturday. The city canceled some of the traditional holiday events due to the Gold Mountain Fire and to preserve the city's water resources. Photo by Erin McIntyre | Ouray County Plaindealer

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By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com, on July 8, 2026

A scaled-back Fourth of July celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States and 150th birthday of Ouray attracted thousands to the city, despite the cancellation of fireworks, water fights and an Air Force flyover that couldn't happen due to aerial firefighting operations holding back the Gold Mountain Fire.

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Firefighters gain ground

Sheriff allows some evacuees to return home; blaze shifts away from populated areas

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

July 8, 2026

Residents forced to flee the Gold Mountain Fire north of Ouray nearly two weeks ago returned to charred landscapes but fully intact homes Wednesday, an indication that authorities believe the threat h...

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Some evacuated areas will reopen to residents Wednesday

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 7, 2026

The Ouray County sheriff is allowing some residents to return to their homes in evacuated areas starting Wednesday morning. The sheriff's office approved re-entry for credentialed residents who live i...

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Wildlife displaced by fire, residents can help by providing water for animals

Commissioners to discuss emergency plans for flooding

By James Hanlon, Special to the Plaindealer

July 7, 2026

Wildlife escaping the Gold Mountain Fire are moving closer to town, prompting state wildlife officials to advise the public on how they can simultaneously help animals and give them the space they nee...

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Evacuees can obtain credentials for re-entry of fire zone

Timeline unclear for return to homes in evacuated area

By Deb Hurley Brobst

July 6, 2026

Evacuees of the Gold Mountain Fire — who have been displaced for more than a week — hope they will return to their homes soon, are thankful for the firefighters working tirelessly to quell the flames ...

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Forest closure expands as fire makes another big run

By Mike Wiggins

July 2, 2026

The U.S. Forest Service this afternoon expanded the closure area in the Uncompahgre National Forest east of Ridgway, as the Gold Mountain Fire makes another big run. The original closure largely encom...

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Water providers ask customers to conserve

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 2, 2026

Water managers are asking residents to avoid excessive water use and putting more demand on their distribution system. Ridgway Mayor John Clark announced during a Ouray County Board of County Commissi...

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Reservoir to close due to aerial firefighting operation

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 2, 2026

Ridgway Reservoir will close to boaters as soon as planes dispatched to assist with the aerial attack on the Gold Mountain Fire arrive. It's hard to tell exactly when that will be, but Colorado Parks ...

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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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City curtails holiday events, keeps parade

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 1, 2026

Fourth of July events in Ouray will be scaled back this year in response to the Gold Mountain Fire, with the July 3 fire department benefit concert and the Independence Day parade and kids’ games a go...

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Blaze forces evacuations, destroys family cabin

No word when owners will be able to return

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

July 1, 2026

Rachel Nichols helped Russell McCrady when he needed emergency treatment for his dog. Little did she know he would return the favor when she and her husband encountered their own emergency, after they...

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Fire crashes wedding party

Forced to flee, Denver-area couple improvises, moves celebration

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

The navy blue suit was ready for James Lindaman to attach his great-grandfather’s Air Force airman’s pin to the lapel. Michelle Lindaman spent months arranging every detail of her wedding, from the fl...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

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