safety
What a Colorado search and rescue coordinator and wildland firefighter thinks you should know as about outdoor recreation this summer
Summary by Aspen News Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com , Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· July 20, 2026
· 7 min read
As wildfires burn across the state, Colorado Search and Rescue state coordinator Trevin Montano thinks there are a few things that anyone recreating in the mountains this summer should know. Montano, a volunteer search-and-rescue member who also works as a wildland firefighter, knows what it’s li...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by Aspen News Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com, Glenwood Springs Post Independent Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 20, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
Every story comes with a passport. How we work · Corrections log
Key takeaway “It’s not uncommon to say a fire went seven or eight miles in a single day or burned up 30,000 acres in a couple hours.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen residents and visitors should be particularly mindful of the extreme fire risk given the severe drought conditions on the Western Slope. The city's proximity to wilderness areas and the Roaring Fork River, which can be prone to spring runoff flooding, makes it crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to plan ahead and stay informed. Trevin Montano's advice to never underestimate the speed of a wildfire is especially relevant in Pitkin County, where mountain terrain can fuel rapid fire spread. With Stage 2 fire restrictions in place, locals and tourists alike must be vigilant about respecting campfire bans and taking necessary precautions to prevent human-caused fires. As the summer recreation season peaks, Aspen's emergency responders and search and rescue teams will be on high alert, and the community should be prepared to respond quickly in case of a wildfire emergency.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . 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 Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 20, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As wildfires burn across the state, Colorado Search and Rescue state coordinator Trevin Montano thinks there are a few things that anyone recreating in the mountains this summer should know. Montano, a volunteer search-and-rescue member who also works as a wildland firefighter, knows what it’s li...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 20, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. 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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