Elk Fire map & updates
The Elk Fire is burning in Hinsdale County, CO (7 Miles NW from Lake City, CO). Latest size 7,257 acres, 90% contained.
Elk Fire map
Shaded area: the latest mapped fire perimeter (2026-08-23). Dot: point of origin. Sources: NIFC WFIGS incident record and interagency perimeters. Official evacuation orders come from the county — this map doesn't show them.
Where is the Elk Fire?
| Nearest cities | Distance from origin |
|---|---|
| Durango, CO | 65 mi |
| Grand Junction, CO | 92 mi |
| Glenwood Springs, CO | 99 mi |
| Farmington, NM | 107 mi |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 146 mi |
| Pueblo, CO | 149 mi |
Straight-line distance from the point where the fire started, protecting agency: USFS.
Timeline
- Discovered — July 9, 2026
- Latest mapped perimeter — August 23, 2026
- Record last updated — October 1, 2026
Air quality and wind near the Elk Fire
Alerts for the fire area
Other large fires within 25 miles
| Fire | Acres | Year | From this fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Mountain Fire | 39,747 | 2026 | 18 mi |
Wildfires of 1,000+ acres since 2014 whose origin was within 25 miles (NIFC WFIGS).
Other Colorado fires in 2026
Questions
Where is the Elk Fire?
In Hinsdale County, CO, 7 Miles NW from Lake City, CO. The nearest city in our list is Durango, CO, about 65 miles from where the fire started.
How big is the Elk Fire?
7,257 acres (about 11 square miles) by the latest reported size.
Is the Elk Fire contained?
It was reported 90% contained.
What caused the Elk Fire?
The cause is recorded as undetermined. Causes often stay undetermined until the investigation closes.
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