"The Rio Blanco fire’s rapid containment—from 55% to 100% in just over a week—demonstrates effective resource deployment and favorable weather conditions, reducing potential damage and resource strain in a region prone to wildfires."
The Rio Blanco wildfire, located 10 miles south of Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County, Colorado, was discovered on July 28, 2026 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. By August 6, the fire had burned 1,388 acres and was 55% contained, with 401 personnel on the scene and moderate fire behavior. Over the next week containment rose steadily—63% by August 8, 79% by August 9, 91% by August 11, and 97% by August 13—while personnel numbers fell from 401 to 85 as the fire’s activity shifted to minimal, creeping, and smoldering behavior. The fire was fully contained on August 19, with 26 personnel remaining and an estimated cost of $11,150,793.
Official source description: 10 Miles S from Pagosa Springs, CO
Minimal; Smoldering; Creeping
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
With the fire now fully contained and behavior minimal, general wildfire safety guidance applies; remain aware of local advisories and avoid unnecessary exposure to the area.
IRWIN ID: {31E42281-5DC8-48B0-9031-AF570C7B2CDF}
Discovered: Jul 28, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $11,150,793
Coordinates: 37.1247, -106.9852
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in CO.
The Rio Blanco Fire has burned 1,388 acres as of August 19, 2026.
Yes, the Rio Blanco Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Rio Blanco Fire is burning in Archuleta, CO.
No, the Rio Blanco Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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