Elbert County OEM

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across the area after 2:00 PM today.

Hazards may include:
• Large hail
• Strong wind gusts
• Heavy rainfall
• Isolated funnel clouds

Now is a good time to review your severe weather plans and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Stay weather aware this afternoon and evening. Monitor local forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

Know when to go! Sign Up for Elbert County Alert: https://t.co/YjMtyTRHTW

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

UPDATE: County Road 166 Is Now Open

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

County Road 166 Closed Between County Road 21 and County Road 29.

Motorists traveling County Road 166 east and west are asked to be prepared for alternate routes. Avoid County Road 166 and County Road 21 intersection and the County Road 166 and County Road 29 intersection. Expect closure until 5 p.m. Tuesday May 26.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

County Road 166 Closed Between County Road 21 and County Road 29.

Motorists traveling County Road 166 east and west are asked to be prepared for alternate routes. Avoid County Road 166 and County Road 21 intersection and the County Road 166 and County Road 29 intersection. Expect closure until 5 p.m. Tuesday May 26.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Elbert County Weather-Related Closure Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Due to a severe spring snowstorm creating unsafe driving conditions, Elbert County government offices will be closed Wednesday, May 6. Many county services are available online by visiting https://t.co/RXqkkFlbtL

Please drive safely and be weather aware.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Elbert County Government on Two Hour Delay Wednesday, May 6 due to Expected Severe Weather.

With the safety of the traveling public as our top priority, all Elbert County Government offices will be on a two-hour delayed schedule Wednesday, May 6. Information on closures or delays for Elbert County Combined Courts can be found here: https://t.co/mRGmih8GUV

While a significant storm will move across Colorado tonight, Elbert County crews will be out clearing county roads of ice and snow throughout the duration of the storm. The priority for snow removal is high traffic roadways to ensure safe passage for emergency vehicles. CDOT crews will be out statewide. If you must travel during this storm, please allow extra time to arrive safely at your destination.

For information on snow and ice removal responsibilities on state highways within Elbert County, visit the Colorado Department of Transportation website.

What to Know:
• Check https://t.co/lVThdUQivY or the COtrip Planner app before driving
• Expect slick conditions early Wednesday
• Slow down, increase following distance, and never pass snowplows
• Be aware of possible traction/chain laws and safety closures

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

YOUR SEVERE WEATHER WARNING IS AS CLOSE AS YOUR SMARTPHONE

Be among the first to know if your home, life, or land is threatened by a tornado. Register for https://t.co/jfFqe3vucT for the free service that sends timely and urgent notifications direct to you – by text, email, or phone call – from your local public safety authorities. Don’t delay. Do it today.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Visible Smoke in Elbert County – March 26, 2026

Smoke visible in parts of Elbert County today is coming from fires outside our county.

Thank you to everyone who reached out and shared what they saw. Your situational awareness and reporting to authorities helps keep our community safe and informed.

We will continue to monitor and share updates as needed.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Red Flag Warning for Portions of Elbert County
◆ WHEN: Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
◆ WHAT TO EXPECT: Strong winds, with gusts up to 40 mph possible

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Elevated-to-Critical Fire Weather Conditions

Strong winds across the eastern plains are expected the week - Thursday and Saturday - creating the potential for multiple days of elevated to critical fire weather conditions in Elbert County.

Fires can start easily and spread extremely fast.
• No outdoor burning
• Avoid activities that create sparks
• Secure chains, trailers, equipment
• Park vehicles away from tall grass

If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

Know when to go! Sign Up for Elbert County Alert: https://t.co/U74MSlnNBK

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Elevated-to-Critical Fire Weather Conditions

Strong winds across the eastern plains are expected the week - Thursday and Saturday - creating the potential for multiple days of elevated to critical fire weather conditions in Elbert County.

Fires can start easily and spread extremely fast.
• No outdoor burning
• Avoid activities that create sparks
• Secure chains, trailers, equipment
• Park vehicles away from tall grass

If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

Know when to go! Sign Up for Elbert County Alert: https://t.co/U74MSlnNBK

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Thank you, First Responders!

On behalf of Elbert County, we extend our sincere appreciation to all the agencies and personnel who assisted with the recent Simla-area fire.

In the days leading up to the incident, emergency managers and fire personnel across the region were actively coordinating due to the forecasted extreme fire weather. That proactive statewide communication and preparedness resulted in a rapid, well-coordinated response from agencies throughout Colorado when the fire started.

Because of that preparation and immediate mutual aid support:
• The fire is now 100% contained despite near zero visibility for the responders and wind gusts of up to 70 mph during the incident
• Aerial mapping estimates the total fire area at 5,599 acres
• No homes were destroyed
• No injuries were reported

Crews remain on scene monitoring conditions and addressing hot spots to ensure continued safety.

This incident and unified response is a strong example of how local, county, and state partners - working together before, during, and after an event - protects our community.

Thank you to every responder, dispatcher, support staff member, agency and citizen that answered the call.

We are grateful for your professionalism and commitment to Elbert County.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

URGENT! Evacuations for the Simla area fire have been lifted. Residents may return home. We appreciate your cooperation. Extreme fire danger remains in effect — avoid burning and activities that could cause sparks. A red flag warning remains in effect.

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

UPDATE on County Road 169 Fire in Elbert Lincoln Counties

Sharing on behalf of @ElbertCoPIO and @LincolnCountySO

ALL MEDIA SHOULD REPORT TO THE LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF'S SUBSTATION IN LIMON ASAP FOR AN OFFICIAL UPDATE (130 C Avenue, Limon, CO)

As of 1700, forward progress near Hwy 71 has been stopped, and crews are shifting to patrol and mop up. Crews will stay on scene through tonight.

The County Road 169 Fire started around noon and is burning in short grass prairie and cultivated fields. A Fire Weather Watch, High Wind Warning, and Red Flag Warning were all in effect, with westerly gusts up to 55 mph and sustained winds up to 35mph. Minimum RH is down to 12%.

Currently estimated at 5,000 - 10,000 acres (note: DFPC is unable to fly the Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) due to winds, so it is an estimate only, and acreage will likely change once we have more accurate mapping).

Resources on scene:
15 engines
8 tenders
7 Chiefs/Overhead from mutual aid departments

Resources ordered:
2 Strike Teams of Type 6 engines (typically 3-5 engines)
1 Strike Team of Type 3 engines
All are enroute from Douglas County

One home was in the initial Elbert County evacuation order when the fire started; unclear how many homes were in the Lincoln County evacuation area, but it is sparsely populated agricultural. Both the Elbert County and Lincoln County evacuations have been lifted.

Photo from the Pano AI camera was from around 1pm; the second photo was taken around 2:30pm

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Fire Weather Warning Tuesday Feb. 17 and Wednesday Feb. 18

High wind event expected Tuesday Feb. 17 through Wednesday Feb. 18, creating dangerous fire weather conditions across Elbert County.

No outdoor burning, avoid activities that create sparks secure chains, trailers, equipment, and park vehicles away from tall grass.

Call 911 immediately if you see smoke or fire.

Know when to go! Sign Up for Elbert County Alert: https://t.co/YjMtyTRHTW

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Winter Weather Safety Alert
Snow accumulation and strong winds will impact Elbert County beginning Thursday, January 8 and continue into Friday morning, January 9. Expect icy roads, blowing snow, and rapidly falling temperatures leading to reduced visibility, as well as slick and icy road conditions for the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

Be Prepared:
• Allow extra travel time or delay travel if possible
• Slow down and increase following distance
• Watch for icy spots on bridges and shaded roads

Elbert County OEM is monitoring conditions and will provide updates if needed. Stay weather-aware and travel safely.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Introducing the new logo for the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management.
This reflects our ongoing work to build a stronger, more connected OEM for our community.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X to stay informed about events, alerts, and updates.

[Elbert County OEM @ElbertCountyOEM]

Fire Weather Warning | High Wind & Fire Danger Wed., Dec. 17 - 19
A high wind event is expected Wednesday, Dec. 17 - 19, creating dangerous fire weather conditions across Elbert County.
What to Expect:
Sustained winds 25-35 mph
Wind gusts up to 60 mph, strongest late morning through afternoon
Very dry air with low humidity
Fire Safety:
Red Flag Warnings are in effect due to strong winds and very low humidity. Fires can start easily and spread rapidly.
No outdoor burning
Avoid activities that create sparks
Secure chains, trailers, equipment
Park vehicles away from tall grass
Stage II Burn Restrictions are currently in place
These burn restrictions prohibit open fires, open burning, and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Elbert County.
Power Safety Power Shutoff Concerns
There are no PSPS planned for our county at this time, but conditions can change. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are scheduled to occur in other parts of the state.
If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.
Stay informed through official county updates and help keep our community safe.