A lightning strike has sparked a wildfire that’s now scorched over 1,600 acres near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park — and as of Saturday morning, it’s still burning with zero containment.
Crews continue to battle the stubborn South Rim Fire as park visitors and staff remain safely evacuated. Road closures, smoky skies, and unpredictable winds are keeping nerves high in Montrose County.
A Sudden Blaze Ignites in Rugged Terrain
The South Rim Fire flared up around 11:30 a.m. on July 10. One bolt of lightning — that’s all it took.
Black Canyon’s steep cliffs and dense brush have made this a tough fire to wrangle. Fire teams say they’re working around the clock but the landscape isn’t giving them any favors.
One small line: The fire’s size now stands at 1,640 acres.
Park rangers were quick to evacuate both staff and visitors. Thankfully, everyone’s been accounted for.
Fire Crews Dig In as Conditions Shift
Battling flames in this corner of Colorado isn’t for the faint-hearted. The combination of dry fuel, wind gusts, and sheer drop-offs along the canyon rim keeps firefighters on their toes.
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Multiple hotshot crews have been deployed.
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Air tankers and helicopters are dropping retardant when visibility allows.
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Ground crews continue to carve out fire lines by hand.
The National Parks Service says safety is priority one. But the unpredictable weather forecast means conditions can change in a heartbeat.
Highway Closures Add to Local Frustrations
Travel plans through the region? Not happening — at least for now.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has kept Highway 347 closed where it meets Highway 50. This is the main route into the park’s south entrance.
One-liner: Detours mean long drives and plenty of local grumbling.
Residents have been asked to avoid the area to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Law enforcement reminds sightseers that stopping for photos near fire operations puts everyone at risk.
Wildfire Season Looms Large
Wildfires are no stranger to the Western Slope. This season, officials have already warned that dry conditions could bring more flames than usual.
In 2024, Colorado saw nearly 800,000 acres burned statewide. If early blazes like the South Rim Fire are any sign, 2025 could test crews again.
One short line: Park officials urge visitors to stay updated through official channels.
Here’s a quick look at some wildfire stats for context:
| Year | Total Acres Burned in Colorado | Major Fires (over 1,000 acres) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 620,000 | 8 |
| 2024 | 790,000 | 10 |
| 2025 | 1,640 (so far, South Rim only) | 1 |
Evacuations and Safety Measures Still in Effect
No injuries have been reported, which is a silver lining in all this smoke. But local authorities say everyone needs to stay alert.
Emergency alerts could go out if winds shift or spot fires pop up. Visitors hoping to catch canyon views will have to wait until containment is secured and roads reopen.
For now, park staff keep watch. Fire crews keep digging lines. And the community keeps an eye on the sky, hoping Mother Nature sends rain — not more lightning.
