Updated June 30th, 2026

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District deployed Engine 311 and a four-member wildland firefighting crew to assist with suppression efforts on the Willow Fire burning west of Leadville in Lake County.

The Willow Fire, which was sparked on June 28, has grown rapidly under hot, dry, and windy conditions. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 1,9200 acres with 0% containment as firefighters continue working in steep, rugged terrain near Mount Massive and the Turquoise Lake area. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for several neighborhoods, campgrounds, and recreation areas while additional resources continue to arrive.

Engine 311 and its crew are working alongside firefighters from across Colorado and the western United States as part of a coordinated multi-agency response. Type 3 wildland engines like Engine 311 are designed to operate in remote environments, providing mobile fire suppression, structure protection, and support for crews working along the fire's edge.

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District is proud to answer the call through Colorado's mutual aid system, providing trained personnel and specialized equipment when communities across the state need assistance. These deployments not only strengthen statewide firefighting efforts but also provide valuable experience that enhances our district's readiness to respond to emergencies here at home.

Please join us in wishing our Engine 311 crew and all firefighters assigned to the Willow Fire a safe and successful assignment. We also ask everyone to keep the residents affected by this wildfire in their thoughts as crews continue working to protect lives, homes, businesses, and Colorado's treasured public lands.

We will continue to share updates as our personnel remain assigned to the Willow Fire and look forward to welcoming them home safely.