Author: comms

Stage I fire restrictions begin July 21, 2023

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, BLM, and fire districts in Garfield County

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – 7.18.23, 9:23 p.m.

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN JULY 21, 2023

Garfield County, CO, The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023. This applies to all of unincorporated 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 is that 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 and firefighting resource availability. It’s been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we’ve had 12 Red Flag Warnings, which is more than what we typically see over an entire year. 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 practices 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 include Fourth Degree Arson (M2) and Intentionally Setting a Wildfire (F3). You may also 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.

“Undeveloped Areas” 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. 

Stage I fire restrictions begin July 21, 2023

Spring Creek Fire – July 12

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Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit

Today at 6 am, the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Team Two transferred command of the Spring Creek Fire to the local Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 team. Updates will continue though the official Spring Creek Fire Facebook page. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team truly enjoyed serving Garfield County the past two weeks and appreciates the hospitality and support.

Spring Creek Fire – July 12

Spring Creek Fire July 9

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Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two

Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief video
July 9 Spring Creek Fire perimeter map

Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3,286 acres
Containment: 39%
Total Personnel: 531
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two used helicopters and engines to augment the efforts of the firefighters as they worked to clean up the edge of the fire after the burnout. Substantial work was done on the holding line at the top of the ridge in Division M. The fire is still moving slowly through pockets of denser fuel. Clumps of trees within the fire perimeter may occasionally torch over the next few days, but there is little likelihood that the fire will travel outside of the holding lines.

A Red Flag Warning expired at 9 p.m. last evening; however, exceptionally dry air Tuesday to Thursday will bring the hottest days so far. That could be a factor driving fire activity since fire behavior specialists noted this fire consistently reacts to direct sunlight and the drying and preheating of fuel.

Yesterday, the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was flown over portions of the fire using infrared sensors to check for heat. This versatile tool safely aids firefighters in determining areas that may need additional attention. Smoke will be intermittently present for some time both from the smoldering fire and from an exposed oil shale seam.

Firefighters will continue to focus on holding the perimeter today and gaining more containment. In the area where the containment line is secure, firefighters are starting to remove equipment no longer needed from the line. This backhaul process is a time-consuming effort. Items like hoses need to be cleaned and rerolled in preparation for the next fire.

Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.

Weather & Smoke Information: Clear skies, high temperatures, and extremely low humidity are predicted over the next several days. Winds will be close to 15 mph. A strong inversion will again develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather continues in the region. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.

Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.

Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Spring Creek Fire July 9

Spring Creek Fire July 8

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Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two

Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief
July 8 Spring Creek Fire perimeter map

Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3,230 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 532
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two took advantage of ideal conditions yesterday to continue with the carefully planned ignitions which have been very successful over the past few days.

Aerial ignitions inside the holding lines deprive the fire of fuel and limit the opportunity for the fire growth outside the established holding line. Instead of burning one large area as is often done as a containment strategy, the team identified small segments to burn and strategically planned the best sequence of these units to get the most effective results. These decisions are based on predicted weather, prevailing winds, terrain, vegetation type, fuel moisture, and fire behavior modeling.

Yesterday, both an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and a helicopter were used to dispense the spheres used during aerial ignitions. A UAS can only carry a limited number of plastic spheres before it needs to return and reload whereas a helicopter can carry a much greater supply. However, there are heightened safety concerns when a helicopter is used because of increased exposure and risk to the personnel on board. Because of the complexity of the operation, fire managers decided to alternately use the UAS and helicopter to provide the greatest safety measures.

After several days of ignitions, firefighters will focus on holding the perimeter today. Part of the strategy is allowing some of the remaining fire to continue to creep through the interior and finish consuming ground fuels. Securing the edge of the fire is an arduous task. While the long, hot days increase the physical challenge of fighting fire, the firefighters’ persistent efforts will slowly add more containment.

Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.

Weather & Smoke Information: Clear skies, high temperatures, and low humidity are predicted for the next several days. Winds will be close to 20 mph. A strong inversion will again develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather continues in the region with a Red Flag Warning for today. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.

Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.

Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Spring Creek Fire July 8

Garco911 and CDOT: I-70 eastbound reopened

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Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

7.8.23, 9:31 pm – Road open – both lanes of I-70 are open at mile marker 119 eastbound, Glenwood Springs.

Colorado Department of Transportation

7.8.23, 1:30 pm – Between Exit 119: No Name and Exit 123: Shoshone from Mile Point 119 to Mile Point 121 – the right lane is closed due to vehicle recovery. Watch for slow moving traffic.

7.8.23, 11:51 am – I-70 was closed westbound at exit 116, due to crash. No vehicles over 35 feet in length allowed on Independence Pass, Colorado Highway 82, mile posts 47-72.

CDOT Cotrip | CDOT facebook

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

7.8.23, 9:16 am – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 116 eastbound, Glenwood Springs exit, due to an accident.

Garco911 and CDOT: I-70 eastbound reopened

Carbondale Fire: Structure Fire at 150 Midland Loop

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Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District

150 Midland Loop fire with flames evident on porch and entrance
Entrance and porch of Aspen Glen home engulfed in flames

Carbondale, Colo. – On July 7, 2023, at approximately 7:26 p.m., Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District was dispatched to 150 Midland Loop (Aspen Glen Subdivision) for a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, crews found a single-family structure that was under construction with smoke and flames coming out of the front and side of the residence. The fire had also extended into the roof and was moving quickly to the other side of the structure. Firefighters from Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, and Roaring Fork Fire departments attacked the fire with a ladder truck, fire engines, and numerous hose lines.

“When we arrived on scene, the fire was coming out of three sides of the structure. The firefighters worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures, trees, and the grassy area behind the residence. Our crews worked together to prevent a larger tragedy,” said Battalion Chief Ashley Buss Greene.

The fire will be investigated for cause and origin by Carbondale Fire. No loss amount has been determined at this time, though the structure is a total loss. There were no injuries to firefighters or bystanders.

Carbondale Fire responded with four fire apparatus. Glenwood Springs Fire Department responded with two fire engines, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue responded with a fire engine and ambulance. There were 22 personnel on scene. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office also responded to this incident.

Crews are still on scene, and will be monitoring the fire throughout the night.

Aspen Glen home with interior engulfed in flames
Interior of Aspen Glen home engulfed in flames
Blackened front of Aspen Glen home
Blackened front of Aspen Glen home
Carbondale firefighter spraying exterior of Aspen Glen home
Carbondale firefighter sprays external areas of Aspen Glen home
Carbondale Fire: Structure Fire at 150 Midland Loop

RPD: Police looking for subject in Rifle area

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Rifle Police Department

July 5, 5:56 pm – Police are looking for a subject in the southwest Rifle area. There is no immediate threat to the public, but we do want to remind everyone to lock your home and vehicle doors and windows. Updates at Rifle Police Department facebook.

The subject was last seen west of Taughenbaugh Boulevard and north of Last Chance Drive.

Rifle Police Department recommends to protect your property with this simple checklist.

Property crime tips
RPD: Police looking for subject in Rifle area

Spring Creek Fire July 4

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Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2

Jeramy Dietz

July 4th, 2023 Operational update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2. 

Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, gives us an overview of each division’s operational plans for today. 

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

July 4th Spring Creek Fire map

Spring Creek Fire Update
July 4, 2023 
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation 
Size: 2,932 acres 
Containment: 37% 
Total Personnel: 538 
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO 

Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two carefully prepared for today’s Red Flag Warning by adapting tactical plans. While the exact challenges the weather conditions may bring today are unknown, fire managers have created a plan of action by studying the dryness of area vegetation, carefully assessing the topography of the area, and using computer modeling to predict possible fire behavior.  

Yesterday, firefighters again cooled hot spots along the perimeter of the fire and built line by hand and heavy equipment. Crews removed brush along roadsides to create fire barriers. Their efforts gained containment and slowed the growth of the Spring Creek Fire. These fire control measures will be tested by the predicted weather, but firefighters have prepared for it by placing supplies like hoses, pumps, and water tanks at advantageous locations; scouting out and marking safe travel corridors for personnel and vehicles; and developing safety plans to protect firefighters in emergency situations.  

Contingency plans are developed in case the primary fire controls do not suffice. One contingency plan designed to further protect the populated areas on the north side of the fire is the clearing of vegetation along the gravel road north of Dry Creek Road. This provides a second fuel break between the fire and developed areas as an additional defensive tactic. 

Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Temperatures and winds will increase today, and the fire will become more active after the inversion breaks around 11:00 a.m. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. on July 4th. Gusts of wind up to 45 mph are predicted. Over the next few days, the temperatures will remain near 90° F. Winds will calm on Wednesday but increase again Thursday thru Saturday. Residents are asked to help reduce any new fire starts during the holiday’s critical fire weather that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire. 

Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.  

Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders. 

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority. All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t! 

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. 

Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. 

Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023

Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov 

InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado

Spring Creek Fire July 4

Spring Creek Fire July 3

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Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 2,932 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 539
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 will continue to prepare for critical fire weather conditions expected on Tuesday, July 4, including high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Firefighters’ efforts include patrolling and looking for hot spots inside the fire perimeter that could again become active with strong winds. Hand crews and heavy equipment will improve and expand hand and dozer lines already in place. One piece of equipment, a masticator, is similar to a wood chipper; it “chews up” heavy vegetation and trees, widening the fuel break.


The incident management team includes both its own incident meteorologist and a fire behavior analyst who work cooperatively to predict fire activity and growth based on weather, vegetation, topography, historical fire data, and other factors. Their contributions further assist the team with proactive and contingency planning.


Due to the weather forecast, the plan to ignite pockets of unburned dense vegetation in the NE corner of the fire (Division P on the map) was delayed yesterday. The intent of this action was to tie two spot fires into the main fire perimeter near the area where crews have been working with heavy equipment to build a substantial fire line.


Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution with increase in fire personnel on the roadway.
Weather & Smoke Information: The weather is predicted to continue to be warm and dry. Light NW winds on Monday are expected to noticably increase on Tuseday with possible gusts up to 40 mph. Tuesday will likely bring the most critical fire weather conditions this area has seen since Monday, June 26 when the fire grew rapidly. Residents are asked to help reduce any new fire starts during the holiday’s Fire Weather Watch that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire during this weather event.


Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority. All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.


Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!


Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Spring Creek Fire July 3