A combination of wet and dry thunderstorms, low humidity and record dry vegetation have led to several large wildfires burning across the West. The American Red Cross is responding across several states, providing safe shelter for people forced from their homes by the fires.

In Colorado, the Aspen Acres fire west of Rye, CO, has scorched more than 91,000 acres, making it the seventh largest wildfire in the state’s history. This fire, which forced families in Pueblo and Custer counties to evacuate, is only 12 percent contained. Red Cross disaster workers have shelters open as well as a disaster assistance center in Pueblo for people impacted by the Aspen Acres Fire. More information is available here.

The Gold Mountain Fire northeast of Ouray, CO, has burned more than 27,600 acres and is only three percent contained. Red Cross volunteers opened a shelter for evacuated residents at the Ridgway Secondary School. Red Crossers are also responding to the Willow Fire near Leadville and the Ferris Fire affecting Dolores and Montezuma counties. The Ferris Fire in the San Juan National Forest has consumed almost 48,000 acres and is 21 percent contained, while the Willow Fire has burned almost 4,000 acres and is only one percent contained.

In Utah, the Babylon Fire southwest of Monticello has grown to almost 96,600 acres, making it the largest wildfire burning in the United States. The blaze is 0% contained. Red Cross disaster workers are meeting with Utah families affected by recent wildfires, helping them assess damage, sort through recovery needs and understand what assistance may be available. That support can include financial assistance for eligible households, help replacing lost prescriptions or eyeglasses, emotional support and connections to Red Cross and local community resources.

In Washington State, the Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County has burned almost 10,000 acres and is not contained. The fire has damaged or destroyed some homes in the area and people have been forced to evacuate. The Red Cross is providing shelter and other services at the Chelan School of Innovation in Chelan.

Other large wildfires are burning out west in Nevada, Wyoming, New Mexico, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Arizona and Idaho, along with fires in Alaska and North Carolina. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, so far there have been 37,209 wildfires across the country, burning 3.3 million acres, about 20 percent higher than normal for this time of year. In addition, for 2026, NIFC reports there are more individual wildfires in the first half of the year than any other year in the past decade.

WILDFIRE SAFETY The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to help keep them safe should a wildfire occur.

• A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials.
• If you feel you’re in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate. 
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. Don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
• Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.

IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE Listen to officials and evacuate if they tell you to do so. Plan in advance where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. If you need help leaving or use public transportation, you may need extra time to evacuate. Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.

Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them to stay behind. Take your emergency go-kit with three days of supplies like food, water and medicine. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.).

NEED A SHELTER? You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org, using the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also check with local officials and monitor local news for information on where to get help.

Anyone who has been affected is welcome to stop by a shelter for a hot meal, to charge their phone and get other support. We don’t ask for identification, and you don’t have to stay overnight. If you are coming to a shelter, if possible, bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents with you. Don’t forget any special items for family members, pets or children, such as diapers, formula and toys.