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.
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.
Above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain in the forecast
GCSO PRESS RELEASE June 9, 2026
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
Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
All burn permits are postponed/Canceled until further notice.
Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in Developed Areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store-bought fire pit) A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings will not be acceptable.
No fires of any type including charcoal in undeveloped areas.
No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding” targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
Exercise common sense and industry safety practice when welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame always cleared safe area of vegetation and combustibles.
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.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department
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.
Colorado Department of Transportation
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.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department
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.
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. _____________________________
ACTUALIZACIĂ“N 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.
Este incendio ha sido nombrado Paradise Fire y se estima que abarca aproximadamente 20 acres.
Dos helicĂłpteros y dos aeronaves están en camino para ayudar en las labores de supresiĂłn del incendio. Las aeronaves recargarán agua para las descargas con balde desde el rĂo Colorado.
Estamos respondiendo a un incendio junto a la I-70 en direcciĂłn oeste, en el marcador de milla 112 en South Canyon. El Departamento de Bomberos y Rescate del RĂo Colorado está respondiendo en apoyo mutuo. La I-70 en direcciĂłn oeste está siendo cerrada en el marcador de milla 112.
Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
June 9, 2026, 3:15 p.m. – Both directions of I-70 are now closed at the 112 milepost.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department
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.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
June 9, 2026, 3:06 p.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 112 WB, South Canyon, due to a fire.
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.
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.
AFFECTED AREA: In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8,000 feet.
TIMING: For the Red Flag Warning, from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. MDT, Sunday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Monday morning through Tuesday evening.
WINDS: Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY: 11 to 16 percent.
IMPACTS: Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Glenwood Springs Police Department and Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
5.21.26, 7:20 p.m. – 7th Street & Bennett Avenue: The area is now clear. There’s no ongoing threat. Residents can resume normal activity.
Departamento de PolicĂa de Glenwood Springs y Autoridad de Comunicaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Garfield
5.21.26, 7:20 p.m.– Calle 7 y Avenida Bennett: La zona ya está despejada. No existe ninguna amenaza. Los residentes pueden retomar sus actividades normales.
Glenwood Springs Police Department and Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
5.21.26, 6:40 p.m. – 7th Street and Bennett Avenue – Glenwood Springs: There is a law enforcement presence in the area. Please stay inside, lock doors and windows or avoid the area.
5.21.26, 6:40 p.m. – 7th St y Bennett Ave, Glenwood Springs: Hay presencia policial. Por favor, permanezca adentro, cierre con llave las puertas y ventanas, y evite el área.
5.16.26, 3:31 p.m. – We’re aware of the power outage currently affecting Glenwood Springs, New Castle, and Silt. Xcel Energy is actively working to restore service as quickly as possible.
At this time, please do not call the electric company to report the outage, as they are already aware of the issue and responding.
We appreciate your patience and will share updates as they become available.
At approximately 9:39 a.m. this morning, Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR) was dispatched to a reported collision involving a passenger train and a tanker truck between Silt and Rifle, Colorado.
CRFR responded with two engines, two ambulances, and a Battalion Chief. Upon arrival, crews found a passenger train involved in a collision with a tanker truck carrying hot asphalt tar. The collision resulted in the derailment of the train.
The driver of the tanker truck sustained minor to moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance for medical evaluation. No additional patients required transport.
CRFR personnel assisted approximately 310 passengers and train staff members from the train to waiting buses for transportation to their final destination.
Multiple agencies assisted with the incident response, including the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Transportation, New Castle Police Department, and Union Pacific personnel.
The incident remains under investigation by the appropriate authorities.
Leif Sackett Fire Chief Colorado River Fire Rescue
