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.
Mesa County (Snyder Mesa & Red Rock Fires)
Ouray County (Gold Mountain Fire)
- Emergency Text Alerts: Text
ourayalerts to 65513 to receive immediate push notifications. - Ouray County Official Updates: ouraycountyco.gov
- 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 for real-time tracking of fire perimeters and evacuation zones.
- Road Closures: Check the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) at cotrip.org 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.
🏠 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 page or use purpleair.com 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.
