Colorado Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across Colorado in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service, InciWeb, and NASA FIRMS, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in Colorado
Colorado wildfires start from both lightning and human activity, with human-caused ignitions common along the Front Range and lightning frequent in the high country. Dense mountain forests, beetle-killed timber, and dry grasslands on the plains all carry fire. High winds, including downslope events along the Front Range, combined with low humidity and dry fuels can drive rapid, dangerous fire growth, and severe fires can occur outside the traditional summer window.
Colorado fire season
Colorado's wildfire risk extends across much of the year, with major fires in forested mountains during summer and wind-driven grass fires possible even in winter. Drought and high winds can drive rapid spread.
Colorado can see wildfires nearly year round, but the busiest stretch generally runs from late spring through fall. Lightning-driven fires are most common in summer, while wind-driven grass and forest fires can flare in spring and even winter when fuels are dry and snow cover is low. Monsoon moisture in mid to late summer can briefly ease risk in some areas.
How to read the Colorado map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and selecting one shows its status and details. Fire perimeters and evacuation zones appear as local emergency management issues them, and smoke and air-quality layers help you track conditions. Check current fire bans and restrictions, which are often set by county, before any outdoor burning.
We keep the Colorado map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for Colorado
Everything we show for Colorado traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- National Weather Service
- InciWeb
- NASA FIRMS
You can verify the state's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
Colorado wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in Colorado right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across Colorado in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see Colorado evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for Colorado appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in Colorado?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in Colorado?
Fire bans and restrictions for Colorado are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in Colorado?
Colorado can see wildfires nearly year round, with the busiest stretch from late spring through fall. Wind-driven grass and forest fires can flare even in spring and winter when fuels are dry, so we keep the map live in every season.
What causes most wildfires in Colorado?
Both lightning and human activity start Colorado wildfires, with human-caused ignitions common along the Front Range and lightning frequent in the high country. High winds, low humidity, and dry fuels can drive rapid, dangerous growth.
How do I sign up for Colorado evacuation alerts?
Official evacuation alerts come from your county emergency-management agency, often through county reverse-notification sign-ups and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. We show evacuation information on the map as agencies issue it, but always register locally and follow official orders.
Where does WildFire-Ready get Colorado fire data?
We draw Colorado fire information from official state and federal sources, plus NASA FIRMS satellite detections and air-quality data. You can verify the statewide picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.