"The Swiss Roll fire’s rapid expansion from 30 to 775 acres in just four days, coupled with extreme fire behavior and a prolonged lack of containment, highlights the significant threat it posed to nearby communities and the substantial resources required to manage it."
The Swiss Roll wildfire, located 11 miles east of Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County, Colorado, was first discovered on August 20, 2026, and is caused by natural factors under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. By September 11, the fire had burned 30 acres, expanding rapidly to 369 acres the next day and reaching 370 acres by September 13, when it was described as extreme with crown fires and wind‑driven runs. The blaze grew to 775 acres by September 14, maintaining a 0% containment level despite 61 personnel on the scene; containment remained unchanged through September 18, when the fire size plateaued at 775 acres. On September 18, the fire size increased slightly to 777 acres, still with 0% containment, before achieving 36% containment by September 20 with 34 personnel engaged. The estimated cost rose from $100,000 on September 13 to $482,000 by September 20.
Official source description: 11 Miles E from Pagosa Springs, CO
Minimal; Smoldering; Creeping
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: San Luis Valley. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
With the fire currently at 36% containment and exhibiting minimal, smoldering behavior, residents should remain vigilant for potential flare‑ups and follow any local evacuation orders or advisories issued by the US Forest Service.
IRWIN ID: {0C9882C6-03AD-4892-82DF-1B24546B4BBB}
Discovered: Aug 20, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $482,000
Coordinates: 37.3855, -106.7866
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in CO.
The Swiss Roll Fire has burned 777 acres as of September 20, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Swiss Roll Fire is 36% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Swiss Roll Fire is burning in Archuleta, CO.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Swiss Roll Fire remains active.
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