Willow Fire Recovery Resources

The Willow Fire is an active wildfire currently being monitored by emergency officials. Firefighters and partner agencies are working to contain the fire while protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

The latest updates are available through official emergency management websites, agency social media channels, and emergency notification systems. Information will be updated as conditions change.

Willow Fire Information (opens in a new tab)

If a pre-evacuation or evacuation order has been issued for your area, you will receive notifications through emergency alert systems. You can also check the official evacuation map for current evacuation zones.

Evacuation Map Link (opens in a new tab)

Leave immediately if:

• You are under an evacuation order.
• You are instructed to leave by first responders.
• Fire conditions become unsafe in your area.

Take:

• Emergency kit
• Medications
• Important documents
• Pets
• Enough supplies for several days

Pre-Evacuation

• Be prepared to leave quickly.
• Pack essential items.
• Monitor official updates.
• Individuals needing additional time should consider leaving early.

Evacuation Order

• Leave immediately.
• Do not delay.
• Follow directions from emergency officials.

Residents will only be allowed to return once officials determine it is safe. Re-entry depends on:

• Fire activity
• Hazard removal
• Infrastructure conditions
• Ongoing emergency operations

Residents in evacuation and pre-evacuation zones should obtain a Re-Entry ID Card. Re-entry cards are used to help emergency personnel quickly and consistently verify who is permitted into an evacuation zone while keeping residents, responders, and utility crews safe. Re-entry cards also protect property and ensure only authorized residents are allowed into these zones. 

• 3. (a) Re-entry Card Pick-Up Process:
  • Re-entry ID Card Pick-up Location: Lake County Public Library – Amax Room
  • Hours For Re-entry ID Card Pick-up
  • Please Bring:
    • Photo ID
    • Proof of Address
  • This card is required to re-enter evacuated areas once they are declared safe and reopened.
  • Re-entry cards:
    • Provides additional information to a photo ID
    • Helps emergency personnel efficiently and consistently confirm that someone is returning to an authorized location.
    • Allows deputies to focus on maintaining public safety rather than trying to verify residency through multiple documents.
  • Already evacuated?
  • Questions: 

Smoke from the wildfire may reduce air quality in surrounding communities.

Sensitive groups—including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions—should limit outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated.

PurpleAir Smoke Map

https://map.purpleair.com

• Stay indoors when possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Run air conditioning on recirculate.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner if available.
• Wear a well-fitting N95 mask if you must be outside.

Yes. Road closures may change throughout the incident.

Drivers should:

• Avoid the fire area.
• Follow posted signs.
• Follow directions from law enforcement.
• Should not park on any part of the roadways.
• Parking off the road over vegetation is prohibited.

Road closures are available on the evacuation map here (opens in a new tab)

Update on the Willow Fire investigation as of July 11, Lake County Sheriff was able to safely send U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control investigators into the fire scene’s point of origin. At this time, investigators are indicating the fire started due to human cause. The investigation is still underway; if you have any further information regarding the possible start of the Willow Fire, please contact us at:  admin@lakecountyso.org.

Multiple structure protection teams are assigned to the Willow Fire. At this time, there is no damage to any structures. 

Colorado Trail (CT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT), segment 10, Nature Trail, Rock Creek Dam Trail, Rock Creek Trail, Kearney Cutoff Trail, Cutthroat Trail, Kearney Park Trail, Highline/Native Lake Trail, Swamp Lake Trail, and the Evergreen Lake Trail are impacted by this fire. 

No County Roads or State Highways have been damaged or affected.

A Temporary Flight Restriction may be in place over the fire area.

Unauthorized drones and aircraft interfere with firefighting operations and may force firefighting aircraft to land.

If You Fly, We Can't.

No.

Flying drones near a wildfire is dangerous and may be illegal. Drones can ground firefighting aircraft, delaying suppression efforts and putting firefighters and the public at risk.

Federal Aviation Administration - Graphic TFRs

Residents are encouraged to register for emergency notifications.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) may also be issued during life-threatening emergencies.

Everbridge Emergency Alert Registration (opens in a new tab)

Prepare now by gathering:

• Transportation
• Food
• Water
• Medications
• Identification

Do not wait until an evacuation order is issued.

Large Animal Shelter

Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds
Gregg Dr, Buena Vista, CO 81211

Call Diana: 719-839-1933

Please note:

• Call first to confirm capacity.
• No stud horses allowed.
• Primitive RV camping available.
• No potable water.
• No restrooms.

If you receive a Pre-Evacuation Notice, that is your evacuation time for large animals. Do not wait. 

If your area was downgraded from Evacuation to Pre-Evacuation, and your animals are already moved to a safe place, it is recommended that you leave them where they are until the Pre-Evacuation status is upgraded.

The best ways to support the community include:

Financial Donations

• Donate to the Lake County Disaster Relief Fund to support community recovery efforts.

Large Animal Sheltering Supplies

• Call Diana at: 719-839-1933

Please note:

• Firefighters are receiving meals at the Incident Command Post.
• Food donations are not being accepted.
• Do not self-deploy to assist emergency responders.

The Lake County Stronger Futures Alliance's Willow Fire Critical Needs Fund  supports individuals and families facing immediate challenges such as temporary shelter, food, transportation, essential household items, clothing, medications, and other critical needs identified through trusted local partners. 

Willow Fire – What do I do with my Propane Tank?

As residents prepare for the possibility of evacuation due to the Willow Fire, taking a few simple propane safety precautions can help protect your family, property, and first responders.

If you have propane on your property:

• Know how and where to shut off your outdoor propane supply and propane appliances

• Clear combustible materials such as leaves, brush, vegetation, and other debris from around propane tanks and grills. 

• Ensure grills and portable propane cylinders are located at least 10 feet from structures.

• Never store propane cylinders inside a home, garage, shed, tent, or other enclosed space.

• Review your emergency plan with your family, including how to safely shut off utilities and what to do if evacuation becomes necessary.

Please review the attached flyer for additional propane safety information and wildfire preparedness tips.

Due to the size, the complexity and the location of the Willow Fire, with a majority of being on the U.S. Forest Service land, outside resources are being utilized to support Lake County. 

This includes many local, regional, state, and federal partners along with equipment, investigators, first responders, incident management teams and emergency operations administration personnel.