News Article

Effective today, December 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the Gilpin County Sheriff has ordered Temporary Stage I Fire Restrictions due to current environmental conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning today for Gilpin County due to critical and dangerous fire weather conditions.

This week’s weather will continue to increase fire risk, with warm temperatures (potentially near or breaking records) and very dry conditions. We will continue to monitor conditions daily and will communicate as needed.

Looking Ahead (Monday–Saturday):

Xcel Energy is re-energizing the power lines for the cities of Central and Black Hawk and power is being restored incrementally. Crews are still working. United Power has been working throughout the day to reenergize all customers in Gilpin County. No estimated time of complete restoration has been provided by either utility.

In response to ongoing power outages and dangerous wind conditions, a Joint Information Center (JIC) has been established today with the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, The City of Black Hawk, and Central City, Friday, December 19.  There have been reports of fires in the County and as of 11:30AM all fires are contained.

📞 Public Information Line: 303-582-6015

This line will be staffed until 9:00 PM tonight to answer non-emergency questions related to this event.

Update 12/18, 12 p.m.: 🔥 Red Flag Warning & Community Preparedness:

As of today, Thursday, December 18th at 11:30am, the warming shelter remains open at 10595 Highway 119 at the Gilpin County School.  

Access for the shelter will be through the upper entrance to the atrium at the high school level. Due to safety and allergy concerns, only service animals will be allowed.  

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Gilpin County, December 17, 2025, as critical fire weather conditions are expected. These conditions significantly increase the risk of fast-moving wildfires, particularly when combined with high winds and dry fuels.

The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners formally adopted the 2026 County Budget during its special meeting on Monday, December 15.

The adopted budget reflects community priorities and supports the delivery of essential County services, infrastructure maintenance, and long-term planning efforts, while maintaining a responsible and balanced financial approach.

Following an extreme wind event last week that resulted in downed trees and debris across the county—and with another wind event occurring today through tomorrow—Gilpin County has re-opened the Slash Site to assist residents with storm-related cleanup.

The Slash Site re-opened last week and will remain open for an additional weekend, providing residents extra time to safely dispose of fallen branches and woody debris.

Slash Site Details

On November 18, 2025, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners approved Ordinance 25-02, establishing official Non-Truck Routes to protect county infrastructure, improve roadway safety, and reduce heavy-vehicle impacts on residential and environmentally sensitive areas.

The ordinance restricts travel by large vehicles classified as Class 7 or above on the following county roads:

October 30, 2025 

The U.S. Forest Service has announced that logging operations for the Misery Timber Sale, located on the north end of the Clear Creek Ranger District in Gilpin County, are expected to begin late next week.