With all the smoke coming from Hinsdale County over the weekend, lots of eyes are back on Colorado’s Elk Fire. Gallery Credit: Wesley AdamsGet our free mobile appWhat's the Latest on Colorado's Elk Fire? The fire is burning in rugged terrain west of Highway 149, north of Lake City, where difficult access has limited direct ground firefighting operations, prolonging this fire. - 2026 Elk Fire Via Facebook - 1 Lake City Faces New Evacuations as Colorado's Elk Fire GrowsRead More: Lake City, Colorado Elk Rescued from Climbing RopeHinsdale County has issued mandatory and voluntary evacuations for multiple zones around Lake City and the Elk Fire. Scroll on to learn more about the highway Mears built through Colorado's San Juan Mountains.