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Evacuations ordered near Cutler Creek as rain pummels burn scar

UPDATE, 9:45 p.m. U.S. Highway 550 reopened between Ridgway and Ouray Wednesday night, authorities announced at 9:15 p.m. Emergency officials encourag...

July 29, 2026

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UPDATE: Pilot in fatal crash identified as Canadian man

Editor's note: This story has been changed to correctly indicate the change in the team overseeing the fire response. The pilot who died when his airc...

July 13, 2026

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Forest closure expands as fire makes another big run

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 a...

July 2, 2026

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Firefighters building, reinforcing lines, as high winds return today

Firefighters will focus their efforts today on building and reinforcing firelines in an effort to keep the Gold Mountain Fire from spreading south tow...

June 30, 2026

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Persistent windy, dry weather hampers firefighters

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 cross...

June 29, 2026

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Ouray cancels Fourth of July fireworks

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, ...

June 28, 2026

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Gold Mountain Fire grows, prompts evacuations north of Ouray

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 C...

June 27, 2026

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County: Layoffs likely

Commissioners, administrators warn of job cuts to close $1.5 million gap; staff criticizes leaders for not addressing problem earlier

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

September 16, 2026

Ouray County will likely need to lay off employees to make up a projected $1.5 million gap between requested expenses and revenue next year, county officials warned at a budget workshop on Sept. 9. Th...

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Disaster tax not ‘backfill’ for fire costs, leaders say

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

September 16, 2026

In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s declaration of the Gold Mountain Fire as a major federal disaster, Ouray County commissioners say the potential influx of additional federal funds doesn't ...

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Town considers options for sewer plant location

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

September 16, 2026

The Ridgway Town Council wants to see some dollar estimates before deciding where to build a new wastewater treatment plant. Town staff briefed the council on three possible locations north of town at...

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City prepared to pay fees for housing project

Despite some councilors' misgivings, Ouray in line to give more money to deed-restricted apartment complex

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

September 16, 2026

The city of Ouray is set to provide up to $225,000 to a nonprofit organization to cover water and sewer tap and building permit fees for a 13-unit affordable housing project. At City Administrator Mic...

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Local Briefs

Gold Mountain Fire closure area reduced

September 16, 2026

The closure area associated with the Gold Mountain Fire was reduced on Tuesday, reopening several roads and recreation areas in time for fall color season. The reopened areas include Owl Creek Pass, S...

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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines