LEADVILLE, Colo. — Firefighters are battling the rapidly growing Willow Fire west of Leadville after the wildfire prompted mandatory evacuations, campground closures, and an extensive emergency response in Lake County on Sunday.
According to the Lake County Office of Emergency Management, the wildfire ignited Sunday afternoon near Twin Mounds below Mount Massive, west of Leadville. Initially estimated at just a few acres, the fire spread quickly amid dry conditions and strong winds, leading officials to issue immediate evacuation orders for residents, campers, and recreationists in the affected area.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for several county roads, including County Roads 4, 9, 9D, 5A, 48, and 99, as well as all campgrounds surrounding Turquoise Lake, Hagerman Pass, and multiple nearby trail systems. Authorities also closed portions of the Colorado Trail and other recreational areas as firefighters worked to slow the fire’s advance.
By Sunday evening, the Willow Fire had grown dramatically. While early estimates placed the fire between 5 and 20 acres, later reports indicated it had expanded to more than 1,000 acres, underscoring the dangerous fire conditions affecting central Colorado. Fire officials continue to monitor the blaze as crews work to establish containment lines and protect nearby communities and infrastructure.
Emergency shelters have been established for displaced residents. The Family Assistance Center at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville opened to receive evacuees, while the Lake County Rodeo Grounds began accepting large animals removed from threatened areas. Emergency management officials have encouraged residents to monitor official evacuation alerts and be prepared for changing conditions.
The wildfire comes as Lake County remains under heightened fire danger. Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect throughout the county, prohibiting campfires, charcoal grills, fireworks, outdoor smoking in many areas, and other activities that could ignite new fires. Officials continue to urge residents and visitors to strictly follow all fire restrictions as hot, dry weather persists across the region.
At this time, no injuries or structural damage have been officially reported. Fire crews from multiple agencies remain on the scene using both ground resources and aerial support where conditions allow, while emergency managers continue evaluating the fire’s progression and potential threats to nearby homes, recreation areas, and critical infrastructure.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from evacuation zones, avoid unnecessary travel near the incident, and rely on official emergency notifications for the latest information. The Willow Fire remains an active and evolving incident, and additional updates are expected as firefighters continue suppression efforts and assess containment progress.
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