Click the link to read the article on the Steamboat Pilot & Today website (Ryan Spencer). Here’s an excerpt:
July 24, 2026
Colorado is in the middle of a historic drought after a record-low snowpack last winter. Much of Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, Grand, Garfield, Rio Blanco and Routt counties have been under exceptional drought — the highest level — for more than three months, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Even as the North American monsoon kicks into gear, bringing moisture and increased chances for precipitation over the coming days and weeks, public safety officials say the severity of the drought means the fire danger could linger for weeks, even if rain continues. But, if the rain stops, officials warn conditions could quickly dry out again.
“The rain is awesome, but don’t get complacent,” said Brad White, the fire chief of Grand Fire Protection District No. 1. “It’ll minimize the number of starts, but we’re still going to have starts. Once something starts up, then those dry fuels are just going to make it difficult to deal with, even with the moisture.”
