The City of Montrose has closed Buckhorn Lakes because of wildfire danger from the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. The city-owned park southeast of Montrose is under pre-evacuation notice, and residents are urged to follow official emergency updates.
The City of Montrose has closed Buckhorn Lakes because of wildfire danger from the Gold Mountain Fire burning in Ouray County.
Buckhorn Lakes, a city-owned park located about 15 miles southeast of downtown Montrose, was scheduled to close by noon Thursday, July 2. Public Works crews are installing signs and barricades to keep the public from entering the area.
City officials said the closure is being made in the interest of public safety.
The Gold Mountain Fire has burned more than 18,000 acres in Ouray County and is moving north and east in the direction of Montrose and Gunnison counties, according to the City of Montrose.
Buckhorn Lakes is currently under a pre-evacuation notice because of the fire.
A pre-evacuation notice does not mean residents or visitors must leave immediately, but it does mean conditions could change quickly. Anyone in or near a pre-evacuation area should be ready to leave if officials issue a mandatory evacuation order.
The city is closing the park now to reduce public access to an area that could become more dangerous if the fire continues to move or if emergency conditions change.
The closure applies to Buckhorn Lakes and public access to the park area.
Visitors should not attempt to drive around barricades, enter closed areas, or use the park while the closure is in effect. Road access, fire conditions, and evacuation notices may change quickly as crews continue responding to the Gold Mountain Fire.
Residents and visitors should avoid unnecessary travel toward fire-affected areas and should follow official instructions from emergency managers and law enforcement.
City of Montrose residents and Montrose County residents are advised to follow the Montrose County Office of Emergency Management for wildfire updates, evacuation notices, and public safety information.
Residents should also make sure they are signed up for emergency alerts and should monitor official county channels rather than relying only on social media or unofficial fire maps.
Anyone in a pre-evacuation area should prepare now by packing important documents, medications, chargers, clothing, pet supplies, and other essentials.
If you are in a pre-evacuation area:
If a mandatory evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. Do not wait to see flames or smoke before acting.
Buckhorn Lakes is closed until further notice because of the wildfire threat from the Gold Mountain Fire.
The closure is intended to keep the public out of a recreation area currently under pre-evacuation notice and to give emergency officials room to respond if fire conditions worsen.
For the latest information, residents should follow the Montrose County Office of Emergency Management and official City of Montrose updates.
