Wildfire — Upper Gunnison River Valley, Colorado

2025-08-01 to 2025-08-31 · Upper Gunnison River Valley, Colorado

Event narrative

The South Rim Fire started in early July due to multiple lightning strikes 9 miles east of Montrose, Colorado which ignited fires on both the north and south rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The South Rim Fire became the larger of the two, which grew to 4,232 acres before it was contained in early to mid September. The North Rim Fire was quickly put out one day after it started on July 11th. The north rim of the park was reopened to the public July 30th, while the south rim reopened to the public on August 18th. The estimated cost to date was $15,300,000.

Wider weather episode

The South Rim Fire started in early July due to multiple lightning strikes 9 miles east of Montrose, Colorado which ignited fires on both the north and south rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1285500. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.