Two fires broke out in Routt County on Sunday — both causes still under investigation. The Fishhook Fire ignited around noon near the head of Walton Creek, burning in terrain so rugged that four Type 1 helicopters were the primary tool fighting it on Sunday. Ground crews cannot easily reach it. Fire officials confirmed overnight growth and warned that Monday will bring more of the same.

The Green Ridge Fire is burning on private land south of Highway 40, near Stagecoach Reservoir — a stretch of Routt County where nearly 480 structures sit within three miles of the fire's edge. Colorado Governor Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency Sunday evening in response.

Are You Ready for Wildfire Season?

Four questions. Find out where you stand before the next fire reaches your area.

Does your household have a wildfire evacuation plan — including a meeting point and a route out?

• Yes, we've practiced it — That puts you ahead of most households. Green Ridge Fire evacuees who had a plan could move quickly — the evacuation shelter at SOROCO High School in Oak Creek (305 Grant Avenue) was designated as the community gathering point.
• We have a rough idea — A rough idea can save time, but gaps get costly in fast-moving fires. The Green Ridge Fire sparked Sunday and evacuations were ordered the same day — with no overnight shelter available after 8 p.m.
• No plan yet — This is the week to make one. The Fishhook Fire sparked around noon Sunday and grew overnight before firefighters could assess the full scope — events move fast in Routt County terrain.

Do you know how to check local air quality when wildfire smoke is affecting your area?

• Yes, I check it regularly — Smart habit. The Routt County Sheriff's Office flagged that smoke from both fires may affect air quality across Routt County early this week — knowing your AQI before heading out matters.
• I know it exists but rarely check — Steamboat Springs area residents were warned to expect visible and smellable smoke early this week from both fires burning nearby.
• I don't know how — Routt County Sheriff's Office noted smoke from the Fishhook and Green Ridge fires may affect air quality across the county. Vulnerable residents — children, elderly, those with respiratory conditions — are most at risk on heavy smoke days.

Do you have a go-bag or emergency kit ready if you had to leave in 15 minutes?

• Yes, packed and ready — The Green Ridge Fire evacuations were ordered the same day the fire started. Having supplies ready means you spend your 15 minutes driving, not packing.
• Partially — some things gathered — Partial preparation still helps. Green Ridge evacuees who needed to leave quickly had the SOROCO High School shelter available — but only until 8 p.m. Knowing your window matters.
• Nothing prepared — Both Routt County fires sparked on Sunday with no advance warning. When evacuations were ordered for the Green Ridge Fire, the available shelter had an 8 p.m. closing time — leaving late means fewer options.

If you saw a smoke column near your area, do you know who to call and how to get current evacuation information?

• Yes, I know exactly where to look — Official sources for both fires include Inciweb (for Fishhook Fire acreage and crew updates) and Watch Duty (used by officials to track the Green Ridge Fire's 44-acre footprint). Evacuation maps are posted by the Routt County Sheriff's Office.
• I'd figure it out in the moment — Searching during an emergency costs time. For the current fires, officials are updating Inciweb for the Fishhook Fire and the Routt County Sheriff's Office is managing Green Ridge evacuations.
• I'd have to search around — Knowing where to look before an emergency is the difference between leaving in 10 minutes or 40. Both fires in Routt County sparked on a single Sunday — official updates appeared on Inciweb and Watch Duty within hours.

How Sunday Became a Two-Fire Emergency

• Sunday ~Noon — Fishhook Fire ignites near head of Walton Creek
• Sunday — Green Ridge Fire breaks out on private land near Stagecoach Reservoir
• Sunday — Four Type 1 helicopters deployed to Fishhook Fire — ground access too difficult
• Sunday Evening — Fishhook Fire reaches 94 acres — incident management team ordered
• Sunday Evening — Gov. Polis verbally declares disaster emergency for Green Ridge Fire
• Sunday Evening — Green Ridge evacuations ordered — SOROCO High School designated as shelter
• Sunday Evening — Stagecoach Reservoir closed to all boating — firefighting aircraft using its water
• Sunday Evening — Steamboat Resort activates snowmaking machines as precautionary fire measure
• Monday — Aircraft assess overnight Fishhook acreage — more aerial resources deployed
• Monday — High near 95 degrees forecast in Steamboat Springs — additional fire growth anticipated

What We Know — And What We Don't Yet

The Fishhook Fire is close to Steamboat Resort.

Verdict: true

Officials placed the fire about one mile southeast of the ski resort and 1.5 miles north of Highway 40. Four Type 1 helicopters worked around it Sunday; more aerial resources are expected Monday.

Highway 40 is closed due to the fires.

Verdict: false

Highway 40 remains open to drivers as of Monday, despite both fires burning in close proximity to the corridor.

Stagecoach Reservoir is completely closed.

Verdict: mostly false

All boating is closed because firefighting aircraft are using the reservoir's water to fight the Green Ridge Fire. However, campgrounds, the swim beach, and day-use areas remain open, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The cause of both fires is known.

Verdict: false

The causes of both the Fishhook Fire and the Green Ridge Fire are under investigation as of Monday.

The geography of both fires is what makes Monday so consequential. The Fishhook Fire is burning in the Routt National Forest in terrain that is simply hard to reach — that is why four Type 1 helicopters, the most capable aerial firefighting aircraft available, were the front line on Sunday. An incident management team has been ordered to take command as the fire grows.

The Green Ridge Fire presents a different kind of problem: 480 structures in a three-mile radius, evacuations already in place, and a reservoir that is now a firefighting water source rather than a recreation spot. With light winds forecast but temperatures approaching 95 degrees, fire behavior across both fronts will be closely watched through the afternoon hours.

If You Are Evacuated or Preparing to Leave

• Evacuation Shelter — SOROCO High School: 305 Grant Avenue, Oak Creek. This is not an overnight shelter — it closes at 8 p.m. Designated for Green Ridge Fire evacuees.
• Current Evacuation Map: The most up-to-date interactive evacuation zone map is maintained by Routt County officials. Check the Routt County Sheriff's Office for live updates.
• Stagecoach Reservoir — Boating Closed: All boating is suspended while firefighting aircraft use the reservoir's water against the Green Ridge Fire. Campgrounds, swim beach, and day-use areas remain open per Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
• Air Quality Alert — Routt County: Smoke from both fires may affect air quality across Routt County early this week, per the Routt County Sheriff's Office. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor exposure.
• Stay Updated: Fishhook Fire updates: Inciweb. Green Ridge Fire mapping: Watch Duty. Denver7 is monitoring both fires and will update coverage as conditions change.

Sources & References

• Primary source: Denver7 — Stephanie Butzer
• Inciweb — Fishhook Fire acreage and incident updates
• Watch Duty — Green Ridge Fire acreage and location mapping
• National Weather Service — Monday forecast high of 95 degrees for Steamboat Springs
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife — Stagecoach Reservoir boating closure and open areas