Lake County emergency officials ordered mandatory evacuations for areas around Turquoise Lake on Sunday afternoon, June 28, 2026, due to the Willow Fire [1], [2].

The evacuations are critical because the fire threatens high-traffic recreational areas and residential zones west of Leadville. With campgrounds and hiking trails in the path of the blaze, officials moved to clear the area to prevent casualties and facilitate firefighting efforts [3], [5].

The Willow Fire is located near Twin Mounds [6]. Estimates of the fire's size vary among reporting agencies. The Lake County Office of Emergency Management said the fire covered 1,066 acres [1], while other reports indicate the blaze has burned more than 1,000 acres [4] or over 1,200 acres [3].

Specific evacuation zones include the Turquoise Lake campgrounds, and the Fish Hatchery trails [5]. Officials also ordered the closure of trails leading to the treeline and Hagerman Pass to ensure public safety [5]. The fire's proximity to these landmarks has forced a rapid response from the Lake County Office of Emergency Management to protect both visitors and permanent residents [1], [2].

Emergency crews are working to contain the perimeter as the fire continues to impact the landscape west of Leadville. Local authorities have not reported casualties associated with the evacuations as of Monday [2], [4].

“Mandatory evacuations were ordered for campgrounds and trails around Turquoise Lake.”

The Willow Fire highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Colorado's high-altitude recreational hubs during the summer months. Because the affected area includes critical infrastructure like the Fish Hatchery trails and Hagerman Pass, the mandatory evacuations reflect a precautionary strategy to manage high-density tourist populations in rugged terrain where egress is limited.