The Okanogan Wire
Public Safety

Willow Fire Evacuations Updated

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The Willow Fire, burning 6 miles west of Leadville, CO, has prompted updated evacuation and closure orders effective immediately. Lake County Office of Emergency Management now manages current evacuation information, with a community meeting scheduled for July 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Lake County High School.

Portions of the Pike-San Isabel National Forest remain closed until September 30, 2026, with drone restrictions in place under a FAA Temporary Flight Restriction. Firefighters are using strategic burning and terrain features to contain the blaze, which began June 28, 2026.

📄 Source: InciWeb Active Wildfires http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-willow-fire
Checked against the public record4 of 9 claims · 44%

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

  • The Willow Fire is burning 6 miles west of Leadville, COThe Willow Fire located approximately 6 miles west of Leadville, CO, started on June 28, 2026.
  • The Willow Fire has prompted updated evacuation and closure orders effective immediatelynull
  • Lake County Office of Emergency Management now manages current evacuation informationnull
  • A community meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 6:00 p.m.null
  • The community meeting is at Lake County High Schoolnull
  • Portions of the Pike-San Isabel National Forest remain closed until September 30, 2026The new closure is effective beginning today, July 30, 2026 at 2 p.m. and lasting until September 30, 2026, unless rescinded.
  • Drone restrictions are in place under a FAA Temporary Flight RestrictionDrones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. A FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. For more information on drones the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org "If you fly, we can’t!" DAILY UPDATES: English (pdf) | MAPS: Public Information | ProgressionINITIAL SITUATION: The Willow Fire located approximately 6 miles west of Leadville, CO, started on June 28, 2026. CURRENT SITUATION: Suppression repair continues along the north, east, and southern portions of the fire’s perimeter. Crews patrol established containment lines for any threats. Crews will respond to any initial attack as requested. EVACUATIONS: For current closure and evacuation information, please follow Lake County Office of Emergency Management. Lakecountyco.gov | Sign up for Emergency Alerts | Willow Fire Evacuation & Road Closures MapROAD CLOSURES: While forest roads within the fire perimeter are closed to the public, main thoroughfares remain open for public use. Motorists should remain alert for increased fire traffic in the Willow Fire area. Colorado Department of Transportation road mapFOREST AREA CLOSU
  • Firefighters are using strategic burning and terrain features to contain the blazenull
  • The Willow Fire began June 28, 2026INITIAL SITUATION: The Willow Fire located approximately 6 miles west of Leadville, CO, started on June 28, 2026.

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