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Garfield County | Accessibility
Lift-Up is at the Rifle Fairgrounds until 1:00 PM today to support families displaced by yesterday’s fire.
If you or someone you know has been affected and is in need of food, supplies, or other essential items, please stop by. Help us spread the word so that everyone who needs assistance can access these resources.
Rifle Fairgrounds
Until 1:00 PM today
Please share with anyone who may have been impacted.
RIFLE, Colo. — June 10, 2026 — Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR) responded to a
reported structure fire at approximately 4:01 p.m. today in the 100 block of Willow Creek
Circle in Rifle.
Initial reports indicated a backyard fire threatening a residence. Due to strong winds and
heavy fuel conditions, the fire quickly spread beyond the structure into the wildland area
along Government Creek. The fire continued to advance along the creek corridor toward
the Rifle Creek Apartments near West 30th Street.
Due to high winds, the rapidly evolving incident, evacuations were ordered for residents
along Willow Creek Circle and West 30th Street. Emergency officials have established the
Garfield County Fairgrounds as a temporary evacuation location for displaced residents.
The Red Cross has also been called.
During firefighting operations, the fire spread into the roof of an eight-unit apartment
building at the Rifle Creek Apartments. The building sustained significant damage and is
believed to be a total loss. Firefighters successfully rescued one dog from an apartment
during the incident.
Colorado River Fire Rescue was assisted by numerous partner agencies, including Grand
Valley Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, Rifle Police
Department, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Department of Transportation
(CDOT), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Fire crews remain on scene working to contain the fire, extinguish hot spots, and assess
damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Colorado River Fire Rescue would like to thank residents for their cooperation during the
evacuations and recognizes the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Leif Sackett
Fire Chief
Colorado River Fire Rescue
Colorado River Fire Rescue
CRFR website | facebook: #ColoradoRiverFireRescue
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First responders are on the scene of a fire near Highway 13 and W. 26th Street in north Rifle.
West 26th Street is closed at this time.
Please avoid the area at this time and use alternate routes if possible. Emergency personnel are actively working in the area.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (June 3, 2026) – The City of Glenwood Springs is excited to announce its upcoming State of Public Safety event, taking place Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and socializing, then event presentations begin at 6 p.m. followed by the question-and-answer sessions.
The event is free and open to all community members, and RSVPs (gwsco.info/sops26) are strongly encouraged to ensure enough food for everyone. Spanish interpretation and childcare will be provided.
The evening sessions will begin at 6 p.m. with brief remarks by Chief of Public Safety Joseph Deras, followed by rotating, interactive Q&A sessions with police and fire department leaders. Residents will take turns asking questions and sharing feedback on topics including:
For anyone who might feel shy about expressing questions or comments in front of a group, there will also be lots of opportunities for written feedback. Questions and comments may also be submitted in advance at gwsco.info/sops26.
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Contact: Bryana Starbuck, Communications & Engagement Officer, bryana.starbuck@cogs.us
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado (3 de junio de 2026) – La ciudad de Glenwood Springs se complace en anunciar su evento sobre el estado de la seguridad pública, que tendrá lugar el miércoles 10 de junio de 2026, de 5:30 a 8 p.m., en el Centro Comunitario.
El evento comenzará a las 5:30 p. m. con bocadillos y una oportunidad para convivir. Las presentaciones comenzarán a las 6 p. m., seguidas de una sesión de preguntas y respuestas.
El evento es gratuito y todos los miembros de la comunidad están invitados. Se recomienda confirmar su asistencia para garantizar que haya suficiente comida para todos. Habrá servicio de interpretación en español y cuidado infantil.
Las sesiones de la tarde comenzarán a las 6 p.m. con unas breves palabras del jefe de Seguridad Pública, Joseph Deras, seguidas de sesiones interactivas rotativas de preguntas y respuestas con líderes de los departamentos de policía y bomberos. Los residentes tendrán la oportunidad de hacer preguntas y compartir sus opiniones sobre temas como:
Para quienes se sientan tímidos al expresar sus preguntas o comentarios frente a un grupo, también habrá muchas oportunidades para enviar comentarios por escrito. Las preguntas y comentarios también podrán enviarse con anticipación en gwsco.info/sops26.
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Contacto: Bryana Starbuck, Oficial de Comunicación y Participación, bryana.starbuck@cogs.us
UPDATE – 1:00 pm: Incident Commander Hostetler has declared the fire contained after firefighters successfully secured the established perimeter.
Fuels within the interior of the fire perimeter are expected to continue burning over the next few days, and smoke will remain visible in the area. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and address any concerns as needed.
A special thank you to the 24 Diamond Mountain Hotshots from California for their hard work and assistance on the fire this morning. The crew will be released from the incident at 2:00 p.m. today. We appreciate their dedication and support.
UPDATE – 9:50 am: Firefighters continue to work in steep, rocky terrain to strengthen containment lines and suppress remaining hot spots. Updated mapping has more accurately measured the fire at 4.54 acres.
Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Crews are continuing suppression efforts today. Approximately 30 firefighters and agency partners attended this morning’s briefing. Incident objectives include firefighter and resident safety, achieving full containment, and minimizing additional impacts to I-70.
For firefighter safety and access, the slow lane of westbound I-70 in the incident area is expected to remain closed throughout the day. Please use caution and expect delays while traveling through the area.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 1 a.m., Wednesday June 10, 2026. This applies to all of Garfield County.
This decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources.
Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors, recent fire behavior witnessed over the past week and firefighting resource availability. It has been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we have had several Red Flag Warnings. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain anytime soon.
With increasingly dry vegetation, severe drought conditions, and more hot and dry conditions approaching, the danger for human caused wildfires increases even more.
What Stage I Fire Restrictions mean in Garfield County
Penalties
Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges range from a Class 2 Felony to a petty offense depending on the value of the damage caused. You may be held financially responsible for damage caused.
Federal lands
The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.
By definition:
A “developed area” is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by land owner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.
An “undeveloped area” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.
I-70 eastbound both lanes open at mile marker 109 (Canyon Creek). One lane open westbound I-70 at Glenwood Springs. There is still a westbound closure at Dotsero.
UPDATE – 8:10 p.m. 6/9: I-70 eastbound is now open in both lanes.
I-70 westbound is opening in stages. Traffic at the Glenwood Springs exit, 116, is being released westbound through one open lane on I-70 in the first stage. Once that queue has been lessened, westbound traffic held at the Dotsero exit, 133, will be released.
I-70 both directions is CLOSED – 6:20 p.m. (6/8/2026)
I-70 remains closed in both directions from Chacra, Mile Point 109, to Dotsero, MP 133, due to an active fire. There is no estimated time for opening. Commuters are encouraged to use the norther detour route.
Westbound travelers:
> Take the Wolcott Exit, 159, north on CO 131, to US 40. Stay on US 40 past Craig, then take CO 13 southbound back to I-70 at Rifle.
Eastbound travelers:
> Take the Rifle Exit north on CO 13 to US 40. Take US 40 through Craig to CO 131. Take CO 131 south to Wolcott and back onto I-70.
For further updates, check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner App.
UPDATE 7:30 pm – The aircraft has been released for the evening. Both eastbound lanes are expected to reopen shortly, along with one westbound lane.
UPDATE 6:42 pm – I-70 is expected to remain closed for an undetermined amount of time. We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as crews continue their work.
With back-to-back Red Flag days and challenging wind conditions, we are especially grateful to have air support assisting with fire suppression efforts. The safety of our community and responders remains the top priority, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
June 9, 2026, 4:40 p.m. – The fire size has been re-estimated at 8 – 10 acres in size.
Approximately 44 firefighters are working to stop fire growth in steep and rocky terrain. Due to high winds in the area, fixed wing aircraft are unable to operate at this time.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado, Colorado Department of Transportation are responding to this incident in mutual aid.
June 9, 2026, 4:07 p.m. – This fire has been named the Paradise Fire and is estimated at 20 acres. Two helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft are en route to assist with suppression efforts. Aircraft will be refilling bucket drops from the Colorado River. I-70 will remain closed at this time.
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ACTUALIZACIÓN 4:40 p. m.
El tamaño del incendio ha sido reestimado entre 8 y 10 acres.
Aproximadamente 44 bomberos trabajan para detener el crecimiento del fuego en un terreno empinado y rocoso. Debido a los fuertes vientos en la zona, las aeronaves no pueden operar en este momento.
Las siguientes agencias están respondiendo a este incidente en un esfuerzo conjunto de ayuda mutua:
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Colorado River Fire Rescue
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office
Colorado Department of Transportation
Todas estas entidades colaboran en las labores de respuesta y control del incendio.
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ACTUALIZACIÓN 4:07 p.m.
Este incendio ha sido nombrado Paradise Fire y se estima que abarca aproximadamente 20 acres.
Dos helicópteros y dos aeronaves están en camino para ayudar en las labores de supresión del incendio. Las aeronaves recargarán agua para las descargas con balde desde el río Colorado.
La I-70 permanecerá cerrada por el momento.
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ACTUALIZACIÓN: 3:15 p. m. Ambos sentidos de la I-70 están cerrado de la milla 112.
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Estamos respondiendo a un incendio junto a la I-70 en dirección oeste, en el marcador de milla 112 en South Canyon. El Departamento de Bomberos y Rescate del Río Colorado está respondiendo en apoyo mutuo. La I-70 en dirección oeste está siendo cerrada en el marcador de milla 112.
Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department
June 9, 2026, 3:15 p.m. – Both directions of I-70 are now closed at the 112 milepost.
June 9, 2026, 3:02 p.m. – Glenwood Springs Fire Department is responding to a brush fire on westbound I-70 at milepost 112 in South Canyon. Colorado River Fire Rescue is responding in mutual aid. I-70 westbound is being closed at milepost 112.
June 9, 2026, 3:06 p.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 112 WB, South Canyon, due to a fire.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment
June 8, 2026, 3:44 p.m. – Samson Mesa Fire, a brush fire to the west of County Road 339/County Road 300, in the area of Keinath Ranch. Crews are currently on scene battling the blaze. Air support is also on scene. We will update when additional information is available. Thank you.
Grand Valley Fire Protection District
Grand Valley Fire website | facebook: Grand Valley Fire Protection District
June 5, 2026, 10:47 a.m. – The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning below 8,000 feet for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. MDT Sunday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels is in effect from Monday morning through Tuesday evening.
Precautionary/preparedness actions
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
Crews expect full containment tonight on the two-acre Devil’s Hole Creek Fire, mile 123.4 in Glenwood Canyon. Firefighters have stopped the fire’s growth.
Great coordinated effort with federal, state and local resources. The other two fires mentioned below are named the Shoshone Fire (123.2), which is contained and estimated at two acres, and Grindstone Fire (119.5) which was contained at 0.1 acre by Glenwood Springs Fire Department.
White River National Forest
White River National Forest | facebook #WhiteRiverNF facebook
6:05 p.m. UPDATE: The 119.5 and 123.2 fires are contained. The 123.4 fire is more than 50% contained. Crews will remain on scene and continue to work the fires. Command has been turned over to U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest.
A special thank you to Defiance Rafting and Blue Sky Adventures for providing rafts that allowed firefighters to safely access the fire across the Colorado River. We appreciate their support and partnership. – Glenwood Springs Fire Department
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3:52 p.m. UPDATE: A third fire has been located at milepost 123.2. All three fires are south of the Colorado River near the railroad tracks. A helicopter is conducting bucket drops.
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3:40 p.m. UPDATE: An additional spot fire has been located adjacent to the railroad tracks near milepost 123.4.
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Shortly after 3:00 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a reported brush fire on the south side of the Colorado River near mile marker 119.5 eastbound on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.
Upon arrival, crews located a small brush fire burning in sagebrush. A Type 3 helicopter has been requested to assist with water bucket drops.
For firefighter safety, the slow (right) eastbound lane of I-70 has been closed in the area. Motorists are encouraged to use caution, reduce speeds, and watch for emergency personnel working along the roadway.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment
Right lane closed. Updated today at 3:52 PM MDT by Colorado Department of Transportation
Between exit 121: Grizzly Creek and exit 119: No Name (near No Name) at Mile Point 119.5. The right lane is closed due to fire activity. Slower speeds are advised.
Comment: Right lane closed ahead use caution
Colorado Department of Transportation
COtrip website