Serving the Longmont & Firestone Corridor
Longmont · Firestone · Colorado Front Range
Monday, July 13, 2026 | Edition No. 027
The City of Longmont issued a drone flight notification for Monday, July 13, 2026. Commercial drone operations expected in city airspace. Restriction: Temporary flight restrictions may apply in certain areas.
Phase 2 of Firestone's 2026 Street Maintenance Project enters its second week, with crews continuing patching, crack sealing, and chip sealing on multiple streets. Work Hours: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays. Completion: Late July. Affected Areas: Various residential streets (check town website for daily updates).
St. Vrain Valley School District reminded residents it serves 13 communities including Dacono, Firestone, and Frederick, operating 55 schools across 411 square miles. Enrollment: 32,000+ students. Ranking: 7th largest district in Colorado.
The District Attorney announced no charges will be filed against a Longmont SWAT officer who fatally shot an armed woman during an incident earlier this year. Finding: Shooting ruled justified under Colorado law.
The Aspen Acres Fire approached 100,000 acres Monday as rising temperatures and increasing winds threatened to reverse recent containment gains. Current Status (July 13, 2026): Size: 98,609 acres (154 square miles). Containment: 36% (down from 40% Sunday due to active fire behavior). Ranking: 7th largest wildfire in Colorado history. Personnel: 2,200+ firefighters. Structures Lost: 851 confirmed. Weather Concerns: Temperatures climbing back into mid-to-upper 90s. Winds increasing to 15-25 mph. Humidity dropping after weekend rains. Red Flag Warning issued for southern Colorado. Setback: The fire made runs on containment lines overnight, forcing crews to retreat from some positions. Aircraft grounded temporarily due to high winds. "We're in a critical 48-hour period," said incident commander. "The weather is not cooperating."
Governor Jared Polis declared a state disaster emergency Monday for the Green Ridge Fire burning near Steamboat Springs, adding to existing declarations for Aspen Acres and other fires. Green Ridge Fire: New fire started over weekend; growing rapidly in Routt County. Fishhook Fire: Also burning in Northwest Colorado. Active Fires in Colorado (6 total): Aspen Acres (98,609 acres, 36% contained), Gold Mountain (~25,000 acres), Ferris (~20,000 acres), Willow (~30,000 acres), Green Ridge (new, growing), Fishhook (new).
National data shows 2026 could rival 2020's catastrophic season. National Statistics: 38,956 wildfires reported in U.S. (through July 12). 3.5+ million acres burned (5,469 square miles). 157% of 10-year average for acreage burned. Colorado Context: Six major fires active; drought conditions persisting; monsoon moisture delayed.
The City of Denver opened cooling centers Monday as temperatures were expected to reach 97-100°F, potentially breaking daily records. Heat Advisory Details: Temperature: High of 97°F (record: 100°F in 2003). Heat Index: 100-105°F. Duration: Through at least Friday. Air Quality: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Cooling Center Locations: Denver Public Libraries, recreation centers, senior centers. Safety Tips: Stay hydrated. Limit outdoor activity 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Check on elderly neighbors. Never leave children/pets in vehicles. Forecast: Upper 90s to near 100°F through Friday; potential record-breaking streak of 95°F+ days.
Extreme Heat Warning in effect until midnight Monday for Central Yampa River Basin, Lower Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, and Grand Valley. Temperatures in these areas expected to exceed 100°F.
President Donald Trump announced Monday the U.S. is "reinstating" a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and will charge other ships for safe passage, dramatically escalating tensions. Trump Statement: "We're going to hit them very hard tonight" if provocations continue. Military Action: U.S. launched fresh strikes on Iran Monday, hitting dozens of targets after weekend exchanges. Iranian Response: IRGC retaliated by striking U.S. bases across the Middle East, including facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Global Impact: Oil prices surged 8% on blockade announcement; shipping insurers halting coverage for Hormuz transits.
U.S. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna was detained by armed Israeli settlers during a fact-finding trip to the occupied West Bank. Details: Settlers armed with U.S.-made rifles blocked Khanna's delegation; detained for hours before release. Khanna's Response: Called it "unfiltered look at human toll of Israeli rule"; weighing 2028 presidential run.