"The Elk fire expanded to over 7,200 acres within a month, deploying up to 286 personnel and incurring estimated costs exceeding $28 million, illustrating the significant resource commitment required for large, persistent wildfires in the region."
The Elk wildfire, located 7 miles northwest of Lake City in Hinsdale County, Colorado, was first discovered on July 9, 2026. By August 6, it had burned 2,911 acres and was 40% contained, with 53 personnel on the scene. The fire grew rapidly, reaching 7,257 acres by August 27 and maintaining that size through September 10, while containment increased from 33% to 73% over the period. The United States Forest Service is the jurisdictional agency, and the cause remains undetermined. Fire behavior shifted from active uphill runs and torching in early August to minimal creeping and smoldering by late August, reflecting the containment gains and reduced activity.
Official source description: 7 Miles NW from Lake City, CO
Minimal; Smoldering; Creeping
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Telluride. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
With the fire now minimal and largely smoldering, general wildfire safety precautions remain advised, including staying clear of the fire perimeter and monitoring local updates for any changes in behavior.
IRWIN ID: {48A23460-97E0-47B3-BDA1-BE5B747A0B24}
Discovered: Jul 9, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $28,846,472
Coordinates: 38.1242, -107.3548
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in CO.
The Elk Fire has burned 7,257 acres as of September 10, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Elk Fire is 73% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Elk Fire is burning in Hinsdale, CO.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Elk Fire remains active.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →