Lake County Office of Emergency Management

09/15/2026

It was an honor to host Governor Jared Polis this afternoon to discuss our close partnership with the State Government agencies, thank him in person for his prompt emergency declaration during the first few days of the Willow Fire, discuss our successes, and how we can improve during future responses.

The emergency declaration from the Governor’s Office allowed us to quickly order the resources (firefighters, engines, air support, etc) to achieve such a successful and complex response.

We truly value our partners at each local, regional, state and federal agency. When we call, they are already on their way. Thank you all!

09/10/2026

09/09/2026

Lake County CO - Willow Fire - September 9

Local responders and the US Forest Service are aware of, and closely monitoring, the recent spike in fire activity in the Willow Fire burn scar area today September 9.

The recent conditions we have seen today made this activity, in this area, expected. Outside of this area there is a less than 4% chance for fire making any significant movement.

Additionally, Leadville has moved from High to Very High fire danger due to recent and forecasted conditions. The next expected precipitation is Monday September 14.

Continue to recreate safely and respect road and Forest closures. The Willow Fire remains an active wildfire.

09/08/2026

Can first responders find your house?

Faded numbers, dark porches, overgrown bushes can slow crews down, especially at night, with flashing lights, or in bad weather. Here's how to fix it:

- Numbers at least 4 inches tall on the house, 3 inches on the mailbox.

- Numbers on both sides of the mailbox, plus somewhere visible from the road near your door or garage.

- Use reflective stickers or a lit sign so headlights catch them at night.

- Trim back branches or decorations covering your numbers.

It's a small fix that matters makes all the difference when seconds count.

08/29/2026

Important reminder! Enjoy your weekend exploring everywhere else that Lake County has to offer!

08/21/2026

All of Lake County has moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. See below for more info!

Bookmark this page to check current conditions and restrictions. https://www.lakecountyco.gov/552/Fire-Danger-Restriction-Information

FIRE RESTRICTIONS REDUCED TO STAGE 1 IN LAKE COUNTY

Sheriff Heath Speckman is moving Lake County from Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in coordination with our partners at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This change is effective today, August 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

While recent weather and fuel conditions have improved, wildfire danger remains present, and everyone is asked to continue using extreme caution with any activity that could spark a fire.

✅ WHAT IS ALLOWED UNDER STAGE 1 RESTRICTIONS
• Campfires are allowed ONLY in permanently constructed fire grates or fire pits in developed recreation sites.
• Portable stoves, grills, and lanterns fueled by propane, pressurized liquid fuel, or gas may be used.
• To use Spark-Producing Equipment:
- Must have a spark arrestor on internal combustions engines
- Must have a ten (10) foot area cleared of all combustible materials
- Must have a fire extinguisher or water source immediately available
• Smoking is allowed only:
- Inside an enclosed vehicle
- Inside a building
- In an area cleared of all flammable materials with a minimum radius of three (3) feet

❌ WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED
🚫Open Fires are prohibited except as permitted above. This includes campfires at dispersed camping sites or outside developed campground fire grates (a rock ring is NOT an approved fire grate).
🚫Open burning, burn barrels, and other unauthorized open flames.
🚫Fireworks of any kind (fireworks are prohibited year-round on federal public lands).
🚫Tracer or incendiary am******on.

PLEASE HELP PREVENT HUMAN-CAUSED WILDFIRES

Even though restrictions have been reduced, one escaped fire can have devastating consequences for our community, firefighters, visitors, wildlife, and public lands. Before leaving a campfire, make sure it is dead out: drown it, stir it, and feel for heat. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.

We appreciate the cooperation of residents and visitors as we continue working together to protect Lake County's forests and community.

08/21/2026

If you are planning to visit the this weekend, be on the lookout for runners competing in the Leadville Trail 100 Run on Saturday, August 22.

Expect increased traffic and delays around Turquoise Lake Road and campgrounds as well as the Twin Lakes Village. Forest Service or county roads in the area may have more congestion than usual.

For more information about the race, visit https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/

08/20/2026

Halfmoon Road and Hagerman Pass are now open! The Fish Hatchery remains closed.

08/20/2026

🚗 Vehicle Donations Needed for Firefighter Extrication Training 🚒

Your local fire department is looking for vehicles to be donated for an upcoming vehicle-extrication class.

These vehicles provide invaluable hands-on training for current and future firefighters, allowing them to practice the lifesaving skills needed to safely remove patients trapped after serious crashes.

If you have an unwanted vehicle you may be willing to donate, please contact us for additional information. Vehicle condition does not matter, but proof of ownership will be required.

Your donation will directly support firefighter training and help us better serve our community when it matters most.

Please share this post to help us spread the word!

08/19/2026