Elk Fire listed at 2,274 acres, 0% contained in July 19 snapshot

Colorado’s July 19 8 a.m. incident snapshot listed the Elk Fire north of Lake City at 2,274 acres and 0% contained, unchanged from the July 18 figures. The state update says fire size and containment are reported at 8 a.m. daily by the team managing each fire.

The figures are snapshots, not a description of conditions throughout July 19 or proof that the fire was inactive between reports. A July 17 Hinsdale County update listed the fire at 2,199 acres and 0% contained, with the most active fire on the southeast side in Independence Gulch. The county also reported low activity after rain and higher humidity but said heavy timber and brush continued to support smoldering and creeping fire.

A U.S. Forest Service closure order closed National Forest System Road 7868, also known as Alpine Road, between the Big Blue Trailhead and U.S. 149. The order took effect July 13 and remains in effect unless rescinded or until noon Oct. 1. The Forest Service cited public and firefighter safety during heavy-equipment operations.

Earlier public notices reported mandatory evacuation zones HNS-E002 and HNS-E005 north of Henson, with HNS-E006 under pre-evacuation. A July 13 notice from Silver Thread Public Health said U.S. 149 remained open but warned of firefighter traffic and reduced speeds.

The July 19 state update did not say whether those evacuation orders or warnings had been lifted, and it did not identify a shelter. Residents and visitors should check Hinsdale County’s emergency information and current Forest Service alerts before traveling; evacuation status can change independently of acreage and containment figures.