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# Western Slope Wildfire Emergency Resource Guide
- URL: https://www.westernslopetrellis.com/western-slope-wildfire-emergency-resource-guide/
- Published: 2026-06-28T18:06:25.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-28T18:06:25.000Z
- Description: Find official wildfire resources for Mesa and Ouray counties, including emergency alerts, shelter locations, animal support, road closures, air quality links, and go-bag steps for residents preparing for changing fire conditions.
- Author: Western Slope Trellis Staff
- Tags: Resources, #Import 2026-07-08 09:21

*This guide provides official resources, contact information, and shelter locations for the active wildfires in Mesa and Ouray counties. Information is current as of Sunday, June 28, 2026\. This is a developing emergency; always verify current status using the official links provided below.*

## 📱 Official Information & Alert Systems

**Mesa County (Snyder Mesa & Red Rock Fires)**

- **Mesa County Emergency Management:** [mesacounty.us/emergency-management](https://mesacounty.us/emergency-management?ref=westernslopetrellis.com)
- **Mesa County Sheriff's Office Updates:** [crimewatch.net/us/co/mesa/sheriff](https://crimewatch.net/us/co/mesa/sheriff?ref=westernslopetrellis.com) or [facebook.com/MesaCountySheriff](https://www.facebook.com/Mesacountysheriffsoffice)
- **State Emergency Operations:** Gov. Polis has activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to support Mesa County. [dhsem.colorado.gov](https://dhsem.colorado.gov/?ref=westernslopetrellis.com)

**Ouray County (Gold Mountain Fire)**

- **Emergency Text Alerts:** Text `ourayalerts` to **65513** to receive immediate push notifications.
- **Ouray County Official Updates:** [ouraycountyco.gov](https://ouraycountyco.gov/?ref=westernslopetrellis.com)
- **Ouray County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Hotlines:**
  - (970) 626-5484
  - (970) 626-5864
  - (970) 633-7015
  - (970) 633-7016

**Regional Fire Maps & Road Conditions**

- **Live Fire Mapping:** Download the **WatchDuty** app or visit [watchduty.org](https://app.watchduty.org/?ref=westernslopetrellis.com) for real-time tracking of fire perimeters and evacuation zones.
- **Road Closures:** Check the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) at [cotrip.org](https://maps.cotrip.org/@-108.00221,39.34229,7?show=roadWork,expressLanes,roadReports,weatherWarnings&ref=westernslopetrellis.com) before any travel. *Note: Highway 550 is currently experiencing closures related to the Gold Mountain Fire.*
- **Fire Restrictions:** Verify local burn bans and restrictions at [westslopefireinfo.com](https://westslopefireinfo.com/?ref=westernslopetrellis.com).

## 🏠 Evacuation Shelters & Animal Relocation

### Snyder Mesa Fire (Mesa County)

- **Human Shelter / Evacuation Resource Center:**
  - Former Faith Heights Church
  - 600 28 ¼ Road, Grand Junction, CO
  - *Operated in coordination with the American Red Cross (1-800-RED-CROSS).*
- **Large Animal Sheltering:**
  - Mesa County Fairgrounds
  - Contact: Kyle Carstens, Fairgrounds Manager at **(970) 773-1621**.
- **Additional Animal Support:**
  - Mesa County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds (25½ Road)
  - Contact: (970) 623-0568 or (970) 261-4046

### Gold Mountain Fire (Ouray County)

- **Human Shelter:**
  - Ridgway Secondary School
  - 1200 Green Street, Ridgway, CO
  - *(Note: This shelter was moved from its original location at the 4-H Event Center).*
- **Animal Support:**
  - Second Chance Humane Society is assisting evacuees. If separated from your animals, they can accept dogs and cats at their shelter on County Road 10 north of Ridgway.

## 💨 Air Quality & Health Safety

Heavy smoke is settling across the Western Slope valleys.

- **Check Live Air Quality:** Visit the [Colorado Air Quality Advisories](https://colorado.gov/airquality?ref=westernslopetrellis.com) page or use [purpleair.com](https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0&ref=westernslopetrellis.com#10.05/39.1179/-108.5828) for hyper-local sensor readings.
- **Health Precautions:**
  - Keep windows and doors closed.
  - Set home and vehicle A/C systems to recirculate.
  - Limit the use of swamp coolers if they are drawing smoky outside air indoors.
  - Wear an N95 or KN95 respirator mask if you must be outdoors for extended periods.

## 🎒 Evacuation Preparedness ("Go-Bag" Essentials)

If you are in a pre-evacuation zone, do not wait for the mandatory order to pack. Assemble these items immediately:

- **Documentation:** IDs, passports, insurance policies, deeds, and medical records.
- **Health:** Prescription medications, medical equipment, glasses/contacts, and a first aid kit.
- **Pets:** Leashes, carriers, 3-7 days of food, water bowls, and vaccination records.
- **Electronics:** Phones, laptops, and backup chargers/power banks.
- **Sustenance:** Bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and cash (ATMs may go down).
- **Clothing:** 3 days of clothes, including sturdy shoes and long pants.

*If you are placed under a Mandatory Evacuation order, leave immediately. Emergency services cannot guarantee rescue for those who choose to stay behind.*