safety
Willow Fire grows to 1,066 acres near Leadville
By Allison Moore Follow
amoore@summitdaily.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 29, 2026
· 3 min read
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect new growth of the Willow Fire.
A wildfire that grew to more than 1,000 acres in a matter of hours near Leadville in the evening Sunday, June 28, sent smoke rolling into Summit County and led emergency officials to ask residents not to call ...
Key takeaway Summit County’s emergency alert system notified residents shortly before 6 p.
Why this matters in Aspen News
As the Willow Fire grows near Leadville, Aspen residents should be aware of the potential for similar wildfires in the Elk Mountains. The dry months in Pitkin County bring an increased risk of wildfire, and the Aspen area is not immune to this threat. With its own history of wildfires and proximity to the White River National Forest, Aspen's emergency responders and residents must remain vigilant. The mandatory evacuation orders issued in Lake County serve as a reminder that wildfires can spread quickly, and it's crucial for Aspen residents to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. The city's police department and emergency management team should be prepared to respond swiftly in the event of a wildfire, and residents should stay informed about fire restrictions and safety precautions to minimize the risk of a wildfire occurring in the Aspen area.
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: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect new growth of the Willow Fire.
A wildfire that grew to more than 1,000 acres in a matter of hours near Leadville in the evening Sunday, June 28, sent smoke rolling into Summit County and led emergency officials to ask residents not to call ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allison Moore Follow
amoore@summitdaily.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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