GCSO: Lightning strike caused fire on Morrisania Mesa

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Morissania Mesa Fire Management returned to the Grand Valley Fire Protection District

10.3.23, 7:40 p.m. – GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – Containment of the Morrisania Mesa Fire stands at 85% as of this evening. During the fire, which started Saturday evening September 30, one house was lost at 2879 County Road 301 and one large shop, both owned by the same family.

Incident Commander Chris Bornholdt with Garfield County Emergency Services will be turning control and management of the fire back over to the Grand Valley Fire Protection District as of midnight tonight. The County assumed control and management of the fire Saturday night through Emergency Services Commander Bornholdt. It was determined that the rapid growth of the fire would require additional resources and people power on the ground and in the air. The county stepped up in this instance because the resources that would be needed are not readily available to local districts or are cost prohibitive. The final goal was to minimize the spread of the fire and protect property and residents in the area.

In the final analysis, the fire turned out to be 61 acres, not the originally estimated 100 acres. Grand River Fire District will monitor the fire until it can be categorized as 100% contained.

This will be the final press release from Garfield County concerning the Morissania Mesa Fire. Thanks to all who assisted and to the residents of Garfield County for their cooperation and assistance in this matter.

Morrisania Mesa (Rulison) Fire update

10.3.23, 10:01 a.m. – As of Monday evening October 2, 2023, the Morrisania Fire is 75% contained. All evacuation orders have been lifted, but residents in the area still need to be on high alert.

The road closures have been lifted as of this Tuesday Morning October 3, but please stay out of the area, as fire equipment is still moving around working the fire. Residents are free to move their livestock back into the area today.

There has been no fire growth over the past couple days. The fire is estimated at 100 acres, we will have numbers that are more accurate this afternoon.

There are 15 firefighters working the fire today and checking for hot spots. Today’s teams include the Rocky Mountain National Park MOD 32, Grand Valley Fire Protection District and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank the residents of Garfield County for their continued cooperation in this matter and their support of all our first responders.

Residence Lost in Rulison Fire at 2879 County Road 301

10.1.23, 6:40 p.m. – On Saturday evening, Sept. 30, 2023, several fires started in Garfield County due to lightning strikes. Most of the fires were limited in scope to a single tree and/or the area immediately surrounding the tree. One fire began near the 3-mile mark on CR 301 near Rulison. Some residents lost power and others were directed to evacuate due to the proximity of their residences to the fire.

Grand Valley Fire Protection District Fire responded immediately and worked to protect existing structures and properties as well as assure the safety of the residents. Unfortunately, one home was lost as the firefighters were forced to withdraw due to the intensity of the blaze.

By early Sunday morning, at 12:30 a.m., deputies were clearing the area. Two unmanned road closures, one at the intersections of County Road 301 and CR 309 and a second closure at the intersection of CR 301 and CR 355. The Garfield County Fairgrounds were made available to residents to receive any livestock or other animals from the area that needed to be housed until the fire could be contained.

A briefing was held on Sunday at 7 a.m. Mutual aid came from several sources including Colorado River Fire Rescue, De Beque Fire, the Vail Fire Department, Interagency Fire, the Greater Eagle Fire District, Carbondale Fire, and Aspen Fire.

Air resources were ordered by Incident Commander Chris Bornholdt. Various airdrops were made beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday with the idea to minimize the spread of the fire by establishing a perimeter.

By 4 p.m. Sunday, it was reported that the area residents have been down-graded to a “pre-evacuation” status meaning residents could be at home but should be prepared to evacuate on short notice should conditions change. The fire is currently at approximately 100 acres and holding. There is 0% containment at this time with 102 firefighters on scene between ground and aircrews.

Grand Valley Fire Protection District

10.1.23, 10:03 am – The fire is currently approximately 200 acres. We have a multitude of ground resources en route. Operations are unified command with Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Two helicopters are currently flying overhead. Please limit traffic on County Road 301 and County Road 309. Evacuation orders are also still in place between County Road 301 and 309. We will post updates as often as possible with new information. Grand Valley Fire Protection District facebook

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

9.30.23, 9:53 pm – Lightning strike resulting in fire on Morrisania Mesa (County Road 301 at mile marker 3). Please stay away from this area and let the first responders do their job. Garfield County Fairgrounds is open to animals displaced by the fire. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office facebook

GCSO: Lightning strike caused fire on Morrisania Mesa

GCSO: Evacuations lifted for fire in West Glenwood Springs

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Glenwood Springs Fire Department

Mountain Shadows Fire

9.24.23, 10:26 am – Glenwood Springs, Colorado – The prompt and coordinated efforts of multiple agencies successfully prevented the Mountain Shadows Fire from causing damage to nearby residential structures. As a result, residents were able to safely return to their homes after being evacuated due to the brush fire.

At approximately 1:33 p.m. on Saturday, September 23rd, the Glenwood Springs Fire Department was called to a brush fire in West Glenwood. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an active blaze covering an acre of land, accompanied by heavy smoke. The fire was being pushed towards the east by strong westerly winds. Firefighters swiftly identified structures at risk and collaborated with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office to address evacuation concerns, all while actively fighting the fire. Thanks to the efforts of the Garfield County Sheriff, threatened structures were safely evacuated.

Securing the fire line closest to the residential area was a priority for the firefighters. Their successful efforts in doing so allowed for the lifting of evacuation orders before evening.

The current size of the fire is approximately 4. 5 acres.  The Glenwood Springs Fire Department monitored the fire throughout the night and will continue mop-up operations today.

According to Incident Commander Jesse Hood, “Quick action from initial attack and mutual aid resources were paramount in the suppression of this fire.  The utilization of air resources gave command insight into fire behavior and helicopter bucket drops cooled hot spots so ground crews could access and extinguish as the terrain was steep.”

In response to the incident, a total of 5 engines, 1 water tender, 1 command vehicle, 2 investigation vehicles, a Chinook helicopter, a multi-mission aircraft, air attack, and two ambulances, along with over 30 firefighters, were deployed from Colorado River Fire Rescue, Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District, Roaring Fork Fire Authority, and the Upper Colorado Fire Management Unit. Additionally, the Colorado State Patrol, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Glenwood Springs Police Department, and Glenwood Electric all responded to this incident. The water supply for the Chinook helicopter was provided by Storm King Ranch.  The Glenwood Springs Fire Department is immensely grateful for the response from these partner agencies.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Garfield County Fire Investigation Team, in collaboration with the Glenwood Springs Fire Department.

Flames in West Glenwood Springs September 23, 2023
Flames behind homes in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023
Flames behind homes in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023
Flames behind homes in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023
Flames behind structures in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023
Flames behind structures in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023
Heli attack in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023
Heli attack in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

9.23.23, 4:57 pm – Evacuation are lifted and roadblocks open, except no driving onto Mt Shadows Dr. Residents may walk in. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office facebook

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

9.23.23, 4:59 pm – We have been working with crews from Colorado River Fire Rescue, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, and Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit on the Mountain Springs Fire in West Glenwood Springs, which is approximately 4.5 acres. Crews are focusing on securing line closest to residential structures. Glenwood Fire facebook

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

9.23.23, 2:20 pm – Evacuate immediately

Mountain Shadows subdivision and residents north of Donegan Road: Due to the fire, evacuate the area immediately.

All people and small animals should go to Glenwood Springs Mall.

Follow updates Glenwood Springs Fire Department

Brush fire in West Glenwood Springs with structures threatened. Active flames and smoke visible. Please stay away from this area and allow first responders to do their job.

Glenwood Springs Police Dept and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office facebook

Photo of water drop from GCSO facebook page

GCSO: Evacuations lifted for fire in West Glenwood Springs

Garco911: I-70 westbound reopened at West Rifle exit

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Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

9.17.23, 4:21 p.m. – One lane of I-70 is open at mile marker 87 westbound, west Rifle. Please drive carefully.

9.17.23, 4:05 p.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 87 westbound, west Rifle, due to a fire. Hwy 6 is still open as an alternate route.

Garco911: I-70 westbound reopened at West Rifle exit

Pike Ridge Fire update, Sept. 10

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Northwest Colorado Interagency Fire

Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush
Estimated size: 246 acres
Containment: 65%
Threatened structures: 1 Historical Homestead
Current status: Increased showers expected over the fire area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has command of this fire. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 246 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. Less than 60 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead.
Planned actions: The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team will transition command of the Pike Ridge Fire back to Northwest District Fire on Monday, 9/11. Fire resources continue to build direct fire line when targets of suppression opportunity are possible. Mop up of the fire perimeter is ongoing. Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead is complete. Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. Resources are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The use of mechanical equipment has assisted this process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Evacuations and closures: No evacuations.
Closures: No closures.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to www.airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.
Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

Pike Ridge Fire update, Sept. 10

Pike Ridge Fire update 8/30

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Northwest Colorado Interagency Fire

Contact: Patrick Kieran, Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush
Estimated size: 242 acres.
Containment: 0%
Threatened structures: 1 historical homestead
Current status: Weather conditions are drying out and wind gusts of 25 mph are anticipated for Wednesday afternoon. The next round of Monsoon moisture is Friday through the weekend. Some smoke can be seen in the area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has completed Transfer of Command on Tuesday, 08/29. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 242 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. There are now over 120 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead.

Planned actions: Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead are complete. Suppression actions are ongoing. The Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. They are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The assistance of a mechanical masticator has sped up the process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.

Evacuations and closures: No evacuations.

Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands, and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.

Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and national smoke report.

Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

Pike Ridge Fire update 8/30

GarCo911: I-70 closed through Glenwood Canyon due to flash flood warning

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Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

Aug. 27, 2023, 12:39 a.m. – Interstate 70 open between mile markers 116 and 133 in both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero.

Aug. 26, 2023, 5:22 p.m. – I-70 is closed between mile markers 116-133, in both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.

GarCo911: I-70 closed through Glenwood Canyon due to flash flood warning

I-70 reopened after closure in Glenwood Canyon for flash flood warning

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Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

8.25.23, 12:44 am: I-70 is open between mile markers 116-133 both directions, Glenwood Springs and Dotsero.

Colorado Department of Transportation

UPDATE I-70 Glenwood Canyon is open – 12:35 AM (8/25) – I-70 Glenwood Canyon all lanes are open.

UPDATE I-70 Glenwood Canyon remains closed – 9:55 PM (8/24) – Crews are performing a sweep of the canyon after the Flash Flood Warning was lifted around 9 p.m. The team is clearing debris and standing water in the eastbound lanes. There currently is no estimated time for reopening.

I-70 Glenwood Canyon CLOSED – 6:30 PM (8/24) – I-70 in Glenwood Canyon is closed due to a Flash Flood Warning for the Grizzly Creek burn scar area. **All updates will continue to be posted to cotrip.org, CDOT’s Twitter page, and available by dialing 511.**

Closure points for all traffic are Exit 133 (Dotsero), Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs), Exit 109 (Canyon Creek) and Exit 87 (West Rifle). The I-70 closure will stay in place through the Warning and then crews will review whether the canyon is safe to reopen. At this time the Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 9:00 p.m. per the National Weather Service.

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

8.24.23, 6:22 pm: I-70 is closed between mile markers 116 and 133 both directions, Glenwood Springs and Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.

National Weather Service

Flash Flood Warning
COC037-045-250300-
/O.NEW.KGJT.FF.W.0010.230825T0012Z-230825T0300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
612 PM MDT Thu Aug 24 2023

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area in...
  Western Eagle County in west central Colorado...
  East Central Garfield County in west central Colorado...

* Until 900 PM MDT.

* At 612 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain over the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area. Flash flooding
  is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow
moving through the Glenwood Canyon area. The debris flow can consist
of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
           producing flash flooding in and around the Grizzly
           Creek Fire Burn Area.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around
           the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Glenwood Springs and Shoshone.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause
extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks...streams...and
ditches in the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area. Severe debris flows can
also be anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed
away in places. If you encounter flood waters...climb to safety.

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 3965 10722 3967 10720 3965 10713 3963 10712
      3965 10709 3963 10707 3961 10711 3958 10708
      3957 10711 3955 10714 3954 10720 3954 10724
      3956 10731 3963 10729 3963 10726 3964 10725

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
I-70 reopened after closure in Glenwood Canyon for flash flood warning

Pike Ridge Fire north of Loma at 231 acres

webedit

Northwest Colorado Interagency Fire

Pike Ridge Fire burns roughly 28 miles north of Loma, Colo.
Pike Ridge Fire roughly 28 miles north of Loma, Colo.

Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m. Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush Estimated size: 231 acres
Containment: 0% Threatened structures: 0
Current status: The Pike Ridge Fire has grown the past few days due to increased winds, receptive fuel bed, remote, and rugged terrain. Due to the fire growth, increased fire complexity, logistical support needs, and public safety the White River Field Office in the Northwest District ordered the White River Type 3 Interagency Management Team. The White River IMT-3 assumed command of the Pike Ridge fire on 08/22/2023 at 06:00 a.m. Current size is 231 acres, with an estimated 85 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead. Remnants of Tropical Storm Harold is expected to arrive as early as Thursday, additional Monsoon moisture is expected through the weekend. An anticipated drying trend could be established early next week.

Planned actions: Transfer of Command to White River IMT-3 was completed, fire resources are engaged on the North Flank securing fire line, structure protection measures are in place. Suppression actions are ongoing. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communication, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.

Evacuations and closures: No evacuations. Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.

Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.

Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

Pike Ridge Fire closure map.
Pike Ridge Fire closure map.
Pike Ridge Fire north of Loma at 231 acres

CDOT: I-70 Glenwood Canyon open after mudslide cleanup

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Colorado Department of Transportation

8.16.23, 8:55 pm – Statewide — Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon is OPEN in both directions.

Crews successfully cleared a mudslide this evening at Mile Point 120.6. 

The slide took place at 5 p.m. this evening and was located in the canyon between No Name (exit 119) and Grizzly Creek (exit 121). Crews quickly cleared mud and water from eastbound and westbound I-70 with pre-positioned equipment. Crews and equipment were nearby as part of CDOT’s safety protocol for I-70 Glenwood Canyon.

Crews had mobilized in response to a Flash Flood Watch issued in the late afternoon, allowing an expedited response to the slide and I-70 closure points. All real-time road conditions and updates will continue to post to COtrip.org. Motorists planning to travel in the area should monitor COtrip.org, as well as weather reports.

The Glenwood Canyon recreation path and rest areas will continue to be closed overnight. The path and rest areas will reopen in the morning, conditions and weather permitting.

CDOT: I-70 Glenwood Canyon open after mudslide cleanup