Colorado River Fire Rescue

Colorado River Fire Rescue provides update on Rifle structure and wildland fire

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Colorado River Fire Rescue

RIFLE, Colo. — June 11, 2026, 11:30 a.m. — Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR) continues to work alongside partner agencies following yesterday’s fast-moving structure and wildland fire that originated near Willow Creek Circle and spread along Government Creek to the Rifle Creek Apartments area.

Fire crews remained on scene overnight and continue to address hot spots and conduct mop-up operations. The fire has been mapped at 10 acres and is contained at this time.

Evacuations implemented during the incident have largely been lifted. Two apartment buildings remained under evacuation overnight; however, as of this morning, all residents except those displaced in the fire-damaged apartment building have been allowed to return to their residences.

Colorado River Fire Rescue was assisted by Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Rifle Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), BLM, Forest Service, and other cooperating agencies.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) Fire Investigation Team has been requested to assist in determining the origin and cause of the fire.

As summer fire conditions continue to intensify across western Colorado, Colorado River Fire Rescue reminds residents that Garfield County is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to exercise extra caution with any activity that could ignite a fire. Dry vegetation, warm temperatures, and windy conditions can quickly turn a small spark into a rapidly spreading wildfire.

CRFR thanks the public for their cooperation during the evacuations and recognizes the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies throughout the incident.

Leif Sackett
Fire Chief
Colorado River Fire Rescue

Colorado River Fire Rescue
CRFR website | facebook: #ColoradoRiverFireRescue

Colorado River Fire Rescue provides update on Rifle structure and wildland fire

CRFR: Colorado River Fire Rescue responds to fast-moving structure and wildland fire in Rifle

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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.

Fire in Rifle Fire in Rifle Fire in Rifle Fire in Rifle

Leif Sackett
Fire Chief
Colorado River Fire Rescue

Colorado River Fire Rescue
CRFR website | facebook: #ColoradoRiverFireRescue

CRFR: Colorado River Fire Rescue responds to fast-moving structure and wildland fire in Rifle

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin June 10, 2026

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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.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin June 10, 2026

CRFR press release: Passenger train and tanker truck collide between Rifle and Silt, Colorado

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Colorado River Fire Rescue

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

Colorado River Fire Rescue
CRFR website | facebook: #ColoradoRiverFireRescue

CRFR press release: Passenger train and tanker truck collide between Rifle and Silt, Colorado

CRFR/GCSO: train vs. truck collision east of Rifle

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Colorado River Fire Rescue | Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

May 6, 2026, 4:14 p.m. – 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

Local fire officials next to the train that collided with a tanker truck near Rifle on May 6.

Photo of the tanker truck that collided with a train near Rifle on May 6.

Photo of the train that collided with a tanker truck near Rifle on May 6.

Photo of the tanker truck that collided with a train near Rifle on May 6.

Photo of the train that collided with a tanker truck near Rifle on May 6.

May 6, 2026, 10:19 a.m. – At 9:38 a.m., emergency crews were paged to a train vs. tanker truck collision at a railroad crossing just east of Rifle on Highway 6&24.

Highway 6&24 is currently closed. Injuries are unknown at this time.

Please avoid the area and allow first responders to work safely. More details will be released as they become available.

Follow Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR Facebook) and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Facebook for more information.

May 6, 2026, 10:04 a.m. – Highway 6 in Rifle is closed near Mile Pond Road (near Casey Concrete) due to a crash involving a train and a tanker truck.

Emergency crews are on scene and working the incident. At this time only minor injuries have been reported.

Please use an alternate route while responders safely manage the scene.

Colorado Department of Transportation

May 6, 2026, 10:33 p.m. – U.S. 6 is closed in both directions between Mile Pond Road and Peterson Lane (near Rifle) at Mile Point 94.5. Road closed expect delays due to a crash involving a train. See map for detour(s).

Comment: Please plan alternate routes, extended closure likely.

A train vs. tanker truck collision at a railroad crossing just east of Rifle.

A train vs. tanker truck collision at a railroad crossing just east of Rifle.

A train vs. tanker truck collision at a railroad crossing just east of Rifle.

A train vs. tanker truck collision at a railroad crossing just east of Rifle.

CRFR/GCSO: train vs. truck collision east of Rifle

CRFR: Press Release

gc web

Colorado River Fire Rescue

1850 Railroad Avenue | Rifle, Colorado 81650
Telephone, (970) 625-1243 | Fax, (970) 625-2963 | www.crfr.us

Press Release

To all CRFR burn permit users:

Effective 11:59 p.m. 3/26/2026

Due to dry vegetation conditions, many out of control burns, and lack of moisture in the ground. We at CRFR are Requesting all burns to be completed by 1:00 p.m. every day. As always, open burning is not allowed during Red Flag Warnings or wind conditions over 5 mph.

Please help us monitor this situation and maintain safety for all our citizens and their property.

We will continue to monitor the fuels and weather to determine the future of burn permits and open burning.

For additional information, please contact our main office at 970-625-1243.

Thank you.

Prevention Division Chief, Orrin Moon

Colorado River Fire Rescue
CRFR website | facebook: #ColoradoRiverFireRescue

CRFR: Press Release

CRFR: Fire on westbound I-70 near Rulison

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Colorado River Fire Rescue

Update:
August 14, 2025, 2:32 pm
Road now open please drive safely

Update:
August 14, 2025, 12:48 pm
Road Closed I70 closed Westbound at Exit 87 -West Rifle due to brush fire

———————————————————————————

August 14, 2025, 12:04 pm – 81 W I-70
1/4 Acre with moderate rate of spread in Pinyon Juniper.
CRFR Engine 41 is on scene with Grand Valley Fire Brush 32 and Tender 31. Resources have been ordered from DeBeque and Interagency.
Expect Lane Closures.

updates: https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoRiverFireRescue/

CRFR: Fire on westbound I-70 near Rulison

CRFR: Brush fire along I-70 near New Castle contained

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Colorado River Fire Rescue

Colorado River Fire Rescue Responds to Brush Fire Along I-70

August 12, 2025, 6:02 p.m. – At approximately 3:23 p.m. today, Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR) crews from New Castle were dispatched to a reported brush fire just east of the I-70 eastbound on-ramp at mile marker 105. Upon arrival, crews found an active fire in grass/brush mixed vegetation along the interstate.

Thanks to a swift and coordinated response, the fire was contained to 6.8 acres, using the interstate and river as anchor points. The cause of the fire was determined to be a trailer that had lost a wheel, which ignited dry grasses along the roadway.

CRFR responded with two Type Six engines, a tender, a Battalion Chief, and two Chief officers. CRFR extends sincere appreciation to our partnering agencies, whose quick assistance was critical in stopping this fire: the Glenwood Fire Department, Interagency Fire crews and personnel, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, and the New Castle Police Department.

“This incident is a reminder of how quickly fire can spread in our current dry conditions,” said Incident Command Messner of Colorado River Fire Rescue. “We are grateful for the teamwork and dedication of all agencies involved, and for the quick action that kept this from becoming a larger incident.”

CRFR encourages the public to remain diligent in all activities during stage two burn restrictions and to always be aware of their surroundings to prevent such incidents.

Leif Sackett
Fire Chief
Colorado River Fire Rescue

CRFR: Brush fire along I-70 near New Castle contained

CRFR: Colorado River Fire Rescue Lee Fire – Zones 72 & 73 in READY Status

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Colorado River Fire Rescue

CRFR Lee Fire update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2025

Colorado River Fire Rescue Lee Fire Update – Zones 72 & 73 in READY Status

Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR) is advising residents in Evacuation Zones 72 and 73 that they are now in READY status under the Ready, Set, Go evacuation model. While there is no immediate threat to homes in these zones at this time, conditions can change quickly, and residents should be fully prepared to act if evacuation levels increase.

What READY Status Means:

  • You are not currently being asked to leave your home, but you should be fully prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
  • This is the time to make preparations, gather essentials, and ensure your household is evacuation-ready.

How to Be Prepared While in READY Status:

  • Know your zone and stay informed through official alerts and updates.
  • Gather your emergency go-kit with essentials such as medications, important documents, clothing, food, water, and pet supplies.
  • Prepare your home by removing flammable materials from around your structure and making sure all windows and doors can be secured quickly.
  • Have a communication plan so all family members know where to meet and how to contact each other.
  • Plan your evacuation route and have at least one backup route in case roads are closed.

CRFR is here for our citizens and ready for any and all emergencies. Our crews are actively prepared and ready for any and all fire response efforts, are monitoring current conditions, and working closely with partner agencies to ensure the safety of our community.

For the most current information on the Lee Fire, including evacuation maps and updates, visit:
Garfield County: REGISTER FOR ALERTS – garco911.com, INCIDENT UPDATES/SUBSCRIBE – garfieldcounty.net, FACEBOOK – facebook.com/garcosheriff, facebook.com/elkleefire, Inciweb – Lee Fire

We urge all residents in READY status to take this time seriously and be prepared. Your quick action can help keep you and your loved ones safe if conditions change.

READY - possible evacuation in your area, SET - short notice evacuation likely in your area, GO - evacuation immediately from your area graphic.
CRFR: Colorado River Fire Rescue Lee Fire – Zones 72 & 73 in READY Status