Colorado River Fire Rescue

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