Pre-Evacuation Notice Issued for Golden Gate Canyon Neighborhood Due to Wildfire

House fire spreads into nearby woods, prompting officials to warn residents to prepare to leave immediately

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A house fire in Colorado's Golden Gate Canyon has spread into the nearby woods, prompting the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to issue a pre-evacuation notice to all residents within a 3-mile radius. Residents are urged to gather essential items, medications, pets, and important documents and be prepared to leave at a moment's notice if conditions worsen and an evacuation order is issued.

Why it matters

Wildfires are an increasing threat in the western United States, especially in drought-prone areas like Colorado. Pre-evacuation notices allow residents time to prepare and safely evacuate before a fire reaches their neighborhood, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.

The details

The fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. in the 10600 block of Ralston Creek Road in Golden Gate Canyon, just west of the Denver metro area. The house fire then began to spread into the surrounding wildland. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has issued a pre-evacuation notice, urging residents to gather essential items and be ready to leave if the situation worsens and an evacuation order is given.

  • The house fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. on February 26, 2026.

The players

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that issued the pre-evacuation notice to residents in the Golden Gate Canyon area.

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What’s next

If conditions continue to deteriorate, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office may need to issue a full evacuation order, requiring residents to leave the area immediately.

The takeaway

This pre-evacuation notice highlights the importance of being prepared for wildfires, especially for residents living in high-risk areas. Gathering essential items, planning evacuation routes, and heeding official warnings can help save lives in the event of a rapidly spreading fire.