Wildfires Spread on Western Slope

Days after Gov. Polis issued a disaster declaration, firefighters continue to battle several lightning-sparked fires on the Western Slope.

A federal fire team has taken over operations at the South Rim Fire, which now exceeds 3,600 acres on the rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Blue Mesa Reservoir closed on Sunday so crews could use it as a water source.

The Sowbelly Fire has grown to over 2,200 acres, spreading from Mesa County into Delta and Montrose counties. The Turner Gulch and Wright Draw Fires, two smaller blazes in the mountains near Gateway, have burned a combined total of more than 1,000 acres.

Farther west, officials warn Utah’s Deer Creek Fire—now at over 10,000 acres—could cross into Colorado due to “extreme fire behavior.”

As of Monday morning, all fires remain at 0% containment. See a map here.

Rocky Mountain Airport Launches Noise Study

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) announced it will participate in an FAA-managed study to determine if the noise generated by the airport is compatible with surrounding land use under FAA guidelines.

Using FAA-prescribed methodology, officials will analyze complaints, generate a noise exposure map, and conduct land use surveys to pinpoint which areas may require mitigation measures.

A key part of the project is public input. Neighboring homeowners—some of whom sued RMMA over noise and pollution concerns in 2023—will have opportunities to provide feedback at open houses and public meetings.

The study’s second phase involves developing a noise compatibility program, which may include altering flight paths. The process is expected to take two years.

Tech Company Demos School Safety Drones

A Texas-based company showcased new drone technology at Aurora’s Regis Jesuit High School that could change how schools respond to safety threats.

In the event of a school shooter, Campus Guardian Angel says the high-speed drones can lift off, track attackers, and disable them using nonlethal force—such as pepper spray or physical impact—while being remotely operated by pilots in Austin.

Some Texas schools have already implemented the drones, with schools in Florida soon to follow. Campus Guardian Angel says it’s on track to produce 10,000 drones per month by March.

Regis Jesuit says it’s still evaluating the technology, which has a monthly cost of around $8,000.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Archuleta County: Authorities arrested a man for allegedly firebombing the county clerk’s office, targeting the room where Dominion voting machines were stored. (See Details)

➤ Aurora: Councilwoman Danielle Jurinksy launched a campaign to recall 18th Judicial District Attorney Amy Padden, who offered a plea deal to a teenage illegal immigrant after he struck and killed 24-year-old Kaitlyn Weaver while speeding through a neighborhood. (See Details)

➤ Larimer County: Rescue crews last week responded to three separate distress calls, two requiring helicopter assistance, made by hikers in the span of a few hours. (More)

➤ Fruita: A man arrested in 2024 for trafficking around 100,000 fentanyl pills—one of Colorado’s biggest fentanyl busts at the time—was sentenced to 48 years in prison. (More)

➤ Statewide: An additional 33 members of Colorado Task Force 1 deployed to Texas on Monday, joining 48 who arrived last week to assist with search-and-rescue efforts amid deadly flash floods. (More)

➤ DIA: A 77-year-old grandfather died and several others were injured in a crash between a shuttle bus and a pickup truck early Sunday morning. (More)

Enjoy reading The Colorado Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ The Colorado Rockies selected high school infielder Ethan Holliday with the No. 4 pick in the MLB Draft on Sunday. His father, Matt Holliday, played six seasons for the team. (More)

➤ The Avalanche will open the 2025–26 season on Oct. 7 against the Kings in L.A., closing out ESPN’s three-game opening night broadcast. The full NHL schedule will be released on July 16. (More)

➤ The Colorado Springs-based U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum inducted 12 athletes into its Hall of Fame this weekend, including tennis legend Serena Williams and gymnast Gabby Douglas. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Soccer | WNBA | MLB Draft

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Did you know that castor oil does THIS to your liver? If you’re over 40 and struggle with… stubborn weight gain, digestive issues, low energy… then you’re likely suffering from a clogged liver that is stopping your body from breaking down fat.

>> Do THIS with castor oil to flush out your liver clog and drop stubborn fat

➤ A judge rejected QuikTrip’s challenge to a new Denver zoning law, which retroactively blocked four of the chain’s proposed new gas stations around the city. (See Details)

➤ Travel + Leisure published a list of its readers’ five favorite Denver hotels, rated based on rooms, location, service, food, and value. (See List)

➤ Over Yonder, a brewery and taproom located near Red Rocks and inspired by the jam band Phish, announced it will close on July 20, saying that continuing operations is no longer sustainable. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Safeguard your wealth with expert gold investment guidance from Hard Assets Alliance. Their proven strategies help you diversify with physical gold, ETFs, and IRAs—designed to protect against inflation and market uncertainty. Whether you’re new or seasoned, their easy-to-follow advice empowers you to invest smartly in gold’s long-term value.

Flying together with our sponsor

Brad’s Deals is a free service. There’s a real-life human behind every post on Brad’s Deals. We’re proud consumer advocates, scouring the internet every day for best-of-web prices on just about everything. Brad’s Deals isn’t a store—instead, we’re here to help you find the best deals online, no matter where they are.

➤ An Arizona man’s search for a missing family ring—gifted by his late mother and lost in Littleton in June—is garnering the attention of thousands on social media. (Read Story)

➤ Four Mile Historic Park in Denver is gearing up for Bright Nights, an annual lantern festival where the 12-acre park comes to life with moving light displays and intricate sculptures. It runs evenings Wednesday–Sunday from July 23 to Oct. 5. (See Details)

➤ Loveland is home to Chapungu Sculpture Park, the country’s largest outdoor art center devoted to Zimbabwean stone sculptures and recently featured in Travel + Leisure. The 26-acre park showcases 82 hand-carved works and hosts free live music on Fridays in July. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Launching your dream in Colorado? LegalZoom provides an easy online way to form your LLC, safeguarding personal assets and boosting business credibility. Trusted by over 4 million entrepreneurs—start your CO LLC with confidence.

Do you support using drones to protect schools?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

What type of homemade cookie is your favorite?

1. Chocolate chip: 27%
2. Oatmeal raisin: 17%
3. Snickerdoodle: 14%
4. Other: 14%
5. Gingersnap: 14%
6. Sugar cookie: 14%

In what year did the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport open?

Show me the answer