safety
Opinion | Quinton: Enough climate hushing — Colorado needs to lead
By Adam Quinton Valley Voices at Vail Daily
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
I write this on the eve of the Fourth of July, and the air in the Eagle River Valley tastes like smoke.
The Willow Fire is burning outside Leadville. The Gold Mountain Fire has scorched thousands of acres near Ouray. Fires across the Western Slope have pushed Colorado’s burned acreage past 100...
Key takeaway Fires across the Western Slope have pushed Colorado’s burned acreage past 100,000 this week: evacuations, closed highways, canceled fireworks.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's own experience with wildfire danger and the economic importance of its ski season make the issue of climate change particularly pressing for our community. The city's location in the Elk Mountains, with its attendant risks of heavy snow, avalanche, and spring runoff flooding, means that residents are already accustomed to contending with the challenges of mountain weather. However, the escalating threat of wildfires, such as those currently burning on the Western Slope, poses a direct threat to the health and safety of Aspen's residents and visitors. Furthermore, the potential economic impacts of climate change, including the loss of ski season revenue, could have far-reaching consequences for the local economy. As the state's leaders consider their next steps on climate action, Aspen's unique vulnerabilities and strengths make it a critical voice in the conversation.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Vail Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? I write this on the eve of the Fourth of July, and the air in the Eagle River Valley tastes like smoke.
The Willow Fire is burning outside Leadville. The Gold Mountain Fire has scorched thousands of acres near Ouray. Fires across the Western Slope have pushed Colorado’s burned acreage past 100...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adam Quinton Valley Voices at Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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