By Shannon Lukens.
Fires continue to burn heavily in Rio Blanco County. There are closures and evacuations throughout the county. The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office is updating all evacuations and closures on their Facebook page. In Moffat County, current updates are on the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. For current road conditions, check CoTrip.org. Look for the Explore the Map tab.
Rio Blanco County Evacuation Zones
Governor Polis has authorized the use of the Colorado National Guard to support the fire response efforts for the fires in Rio Blanco County.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for Moffat County and also all lands managed by the White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District, and also the BLM Little Snake Field Office within Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties.
From the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office — STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS TO BEGIN IN MOFFAT COUNTY – EFFECTIVE AUGUST 7, 2025 AT 12:01 AM
Moffat County Sheriff Chip Mcintyre says Highway 40 was able to reopen, with reduced speeds, from the Twelve Fire which started Wednesday in Elk Springs. Deer Lodge Road was closed Thursday. No residences were lost but an outhouse and a storage shed.
Sheriff McIntyre wants to remind everyone to drive slowly and stay alert in the area for the safety of firefighters and first responders. Never throw any items from your vehicle. Secure all towing chains and equipment to prevent sparks. And if you do see someone dragging chains or doing something that could spark a fire, report it immediately to authorities.
United Way of the Yampa Valley is gathering a list of volunteers who can help, if needed in an emergency. A volunteer link to sign up is on our website.
LINK to Volunteer to help in Routt County
The 114th Annual Rio Blanco County Pioneer Association party is cancelled for this weekend.
In events happening…
The Moffat County Fair continues today with the Swine Show this morning along with the Rabbit and Poultry Show today and Ranch Rodeo tonight.
More on the Story — 2025 Moffat County Fair
The Moffat County Cattlewomen are hosting the BBQ Smokeout Jackpot, at 5:30 p.m., August 8, at the Moffat County Fairgrounds.
Saturday is action all day at the Moffat County Fairgrounds with a free pancake breakfast, the Cowboy Baby Contest, the pie eating contest at noon, the Moffat County Fair BBQ and Free Coke Floats, followed by the 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Sale.
Free Family MOVIE IN THE PARK is at 7:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, in Decker Park in Oak Creek. The movie is Inside Out 2. Bring your own blanket and lawn chair. Free ice cream and snacks! Presented by the Oak Creek Public Library and Bud Werner Memorial Library.
Summer Concert: Neon Nostalgia – The Ultimate 80s Rewind is 7-9 p.m. in Steamboat Square at the base of Steamboat Ski Area. Grab your sky-high hair and dress in your best 80s wear for a starlit dance down memory lane. It will be an electrifying night of nostalgia, presented by the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. Presented by the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra.
The community is invited for celebration for Marine PFC Joshua Kelly in Oak Creek Saturday. Homes for our Troops has a specially adapted, custom home for Kelly and his family. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at SoRoCo High School in Oak Creek, and it is followed by lunch. Register for the event
For more information or to get involved, please contact: Jocelyn Phipps, Community Engagement Coordinator at jphipps@hfotusa.org or Cell: 508-789-3501.
All are invited to a summer concert in Craig with Bella Voce, which is formerly the Yampa Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines. It’s at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Yampatheater Playhouse, with is a 1111 W. Victory Way. Tickets are $7 each with a family pack of four for $20.
Enjoy some roller skating in Steamboat Square at the base of the ski area from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. It’s $20 for skating and rentals.
Then Sunday has more skating and dancing and line dancing, kids crafts, music, all afternoon at the ski area base as part of All Arts Week.
Movies on the Mountain is this Saturday night in Steamboat Square at the base of Steamboat Resort. Bring a chair and enjoy this week’s movie under the stars. It’s all free and fun for the whole family.
- August 9 – Home Break, Taylor Gold 8:30 p.m. movie start; 10 p.m. end
More on the Story — Movies on the Mountain at Steamboat Resort
The 2025 Free Summer Concert is this Saturday night, at Howelsen Hill Amphitheatre. The band is New Orleans Suspects featuring Jennifer Hartswick. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Walk, bus, or bike to the show and come hungry and thirsty as there are plenty of food and drink trucks and vendors.
More on the Story — 2025 Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series
Check out what’s happening in the Yampa Valley on the Community Calendar on our website.