safety
Started hours apart, 2 Routt County fires challenge local response
By Julia Coccaro Follow
jcoccaro@steamboatpilot.com at Aspen Times
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
Routt County’s first two notable wildfires of the season ignited within two hours of each other Sunday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders, road closures and a multi-agency response across the region.
The first wildfire start, located just north of Rabbit Ears Pass and four miles southeast...
Key takeaway The first wildfire start, located just north of Rabbit Ears Pass and four miles southeast...
Why this matters in Aspen News
Given Aspen 's proximity to Routt County, the dual wildfires that broke out on Sunday afternoon pose a concern for local residents and visitors alike. The fact that these fires started within hours of each other underscores the region's susceptibility to wildfire danger, particularly during dry months. As Aspen sits in the Elk Mountains, also prone to similar conditions, the city's own wildfire prevention measures and emergency response plans are put to the test. The multi-agency response to the Routt County fires demonstrates the complexity of managing mountain-weather hazards, including wildfires, and the need for coordinated efforts across county lines. Aspen's residents and visitors should remain vigilant, taking heed of local fire restrictions and being prepared for potential evacuations, as the dry season is still underway. The city's experience with spring runoff flooding and avalanche risk also informs its approach to mitigating wildfire dangers.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . 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 .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Routt County’s first two notable wildfires of the season ignited within two hours of each other Sunday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders, road closures and a multi-agency response across the region.
The first wildfire start, located just north of Rabbit Ears Pass and four miles southeast...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Julia Coccaro Follow
jcoccaro@steamboatpilot.com at Aspen Times. 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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