Editor's daughter, Ava Andrade, playing as smoke billows in the background Photo by Katey Fetch
Part of the incident command post at the Ouray County Fairgrounds and the smoldering mountains behind it on June 14, 2026 Photo by Katey Fetch
It was a surreal sight watching the flames of the Gold Mountain Fire erupt and race up the mountainside on June 27 outside Ouray, Colorado.
Windy, hot, and exceptionally dry conditions, combined with abundant fuels, allowed the fire to spread rapidly, threatening the nearby mountain town and forcing the evacuation of several surrounding communities.
Visitors approaching from the north were rerouted …
