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Two New Wildfires Prompt Evacuations in La Plata County

Fire crews are battling uncontained flames on U.S. Forest Service and tribal lands under hot, dry conditions that complicate containment.

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The Elkhorn fire burning northeast of Durango started as a structure fire on Saturday, July 26, 2025, fire officials said. (Photo courtesy of Elkhorn Fire Information)

Overview

  • The Elkhorn fire expanded from a house blaze to burn 145 acres on county and Forest Service land with zero containment as of the evening of July 27.
  • The Rim Road fire on the Southern Ute Reservation has scorched about 112 acres and remains uncontained.
  • Mandatory evacuation orders persist east of Highway 550 and along County Road 318 south to Indian Route 150, displacing residents and activating local shelters.
  • Air tankers and ground crews from La Plata County, the U.S. Forest Service and the Southern Ute Tribe are coordinating suppression efforts to protect homes and infrastructure.
  • Officials have shut off nearby oil wells and natural gas lines as a precaution under persistent drought conditions.