Forest Service News Release Three new fires now burning northwest of Dolores, CO

Three New Wildfires Burning Northwest of Dolores, Colorado

No structures are threatened; continued growth expected

Dolores, CO — June 27, 2026

Three new wildfires were reported today on the San Juan National Forest’s Dolores Ranger District, burning in both Dolores and Montezuma Counties. The cause is suspected to be lightning and will be confirmed by resources on the ground. Yesterday’s storm produced significant lightning with very little precipitation. The fires are wind‑driven and grew rapidly throughout the afternoon, forcing fire crews to pull back from the line. High winds grounded aircraft in the evening.

Current Fires

  • Ferris Fire — 250+ acres
    • Southeast of Bradfield Bridge Campground, along the southern portion of Highway 504.
  • Far Draw Fire — 100+ acres
    • Two miles east of the NFSR 506 / 504 intersection in an area known locally as “the Glade.”
  • Doe Canyon Fire — 22+ acres
    • Located in Doe Canyon just west of the NFSR 506 / 504 intersection.

Operations

Fire managers are prioritizing protection of lives, property, and ecosystems while ensuring firefighter safety. An indirect strategy is being used to contain and extinguish all three fires as quickly as possible.

Personnel & Resources

Multiple resources—including engines, crews, air attack, and a Type 1 helicopter—are currently assigned. Large air tankers (LAT) are assisting with retardant drops. Additional resources, including engines, crews, a Type 1 helicopter, a Type 3 helicopter, and support personnel, are on order.

Closures & Restrictions

Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement has conducted a safety sweep to ensure the public is cleared from:

  • Bradfield Bridge Campground
  • NFSR 504 south to the base of McPhee Dam
  • NFSR 521
  • NFSR 504

Visitors are advised to stay away from the fire area.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)

A TFR will be implemented over the fire area. Private aircraft—including drones—are prohibited.
If you fly, we can’t.

For official fire information, follow the Ferris / Far Draw Fires on InciWeb.

Alerts

Red Flag Warning

RED FLAG WARNING in effect for Tuesday, June 30

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon- 9:00 pm on Tuesday.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

Please help protect our county by staying fire aware and using extra caution.

Fire Restrictions by Jurisdiction

Fire Restrictions by Jurisdiction

  • Unincorporated Montezuma County: Fire ban in effect as of May 28.
  • Unincorporated Dolores County: Stage 2 Restrictions- effective June 19.
  • Town of DoloresBurn ban in effect as of May 28.
  • Town of Mancos: No open fires or fireworks.
  • City of Cortez: Open fires by permit only. Contact Planning & Building Department at (970) 564-4016.
  • Ute Mountain Ute Tribe: Stage 1 Restrictions- effective May 22.
  • Southern Ute Tribe: Stage 2 restrictions- effective June 19.
  • San Juan National Forest: Stage 1 Restrictions, forest-wide effective June 12.
  • BLM – Tres Rios Field Office: Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect as of May 29.
  • Mesa Verde National Park: Stage 1 Restrictions 

Please use caution when using anything that could cause a spark or fire, even when no restrictions are in effect. Fire danger is currently HIGH in Montezuma County.