When Lightning Strikes: Lake City Braces for the Elk Fire

As smoke rises over the San Juan Mountains and the sound of helicopters echoes through the valleys, Silverton’s neighbor, Lake City, is preparing for a new lightning-caused wildfire.

The Elk Fire, ignited by lightning, is burning through widespread dead and downed timber, providing abundant fuel for the blaze. Fire crews are working in steep, rugged, and remote terrain, where access is limited, mak…