Colorado expands evacuations as Ferris and Gold Mountain wildfires grow

The Ferris Fire in southwestern Colorado has burned 64,369 acres and is 23% contained. State officials widened mandatory evacuations to Zone 16, directing residents to the Dolores Senior Center, and moved livestock to a shelter in Cortez. Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency, mobilizing over 1,000 personnel.

Meanwhile, the Gold Mountain Fire in western Colorado has scorched more than 31,400 acres and is only 2% contained. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Zone 32, with Zones 33 and 34 under voluntary pre‑evacuation. About 820 firefighters are battling the blaze, and road closures on U.S. 550 and other routes are expected. Water‑scooping aircraft have temporarily shut Ridgway Reservoir to boating.