July 22, 2024, 3:43 p.m. – Interstate 70 closed between mile markers 81 and 87 (West Rifle exit to Rulison) due to brush fire.
July 22, 2024, 3:25 p.m. – Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR) crews along with Grand Valley Fire Protection District and Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit are on the scene of multiple fires along I-70 starting at mile marker 87 westbound. I-70 westbound (West Rifle exit) is closed. Please stay away from the frontage roads and avoid the area.
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
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 behind homes in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023Flames behind homes in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023Flames behind structures in West Glenwood Sept. 23, 2023Heli 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
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.
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.
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.
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief videoJuly 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.
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.
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section ChiefJuly 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.
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.
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.
Interior of Aspen Glen home engulfed in flamesBlackened front of Aspen Glen homeCarbondale firefighter sprays external areas of Aspen Glen home
On July 5, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m. Garfield County Sherriff’s Deputies were attempting to make contact with an individual with felony arrest warrants for a violent assault in the area of South Whiteriver and 7th St. South in Rifle Colorado. Bradley Wilczek, the male subject fled from police and a search ensued. Rifle Police Officers, Garfield County Sherriff’s Deputies, and SPEAR officers searched the area for Wilczek for several hours. At approximately 8:40 p.m., acting on a tip that the suspect was inside his residence, a search warrant was granted. A search of the residence was executed with the assistance of the Garfield County All Hazards Response Team, but Wilczek was not inside.
Bradley Wiczek is a wanted felon. Wiczek, born in 1982, is a white male, with brown hair, and green eyes, 5′ 6″ tall weighing 180 pounds, and a single-leg amputee. If you see Wiczek please call 911.
We would like to thank the residents of Southwest Rifle for their patience and understanding as we worked the area late into the night. We’ve had several witnesses come forward with information. If you have any information or video regarding this incident please contact Garfield County Dispatch Center at 970-625-8095.
At this time there is no elevated risk to the public but we do want to remind everyone to lock your home and vehicle doors and windows. This investigation is ongoing with an outstanding arrest warrant. Updates will be released as we are able.
All suspects are considered innocent until adjudicated guilty in a court of law.
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.