Garco911: No status change for Garfield County zones

Garco911 and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – An IPAWS message sent by Moffat County was received by some residents in Garfield County and included information about lifted evacuations. This is NOT related to the Lee Fire and no statuses in Garfield County have changed.

Current status by zone is as follows:
Zone 70-GO
Zones 71/80/81-SET
Zones 72/73-READY

You will receive another message if your zone status is changed.

Check your zone on this INTERACTIVE EVACUATION MAP (search your address).

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elkleefire
Iniciweb Lee Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-lee-fire

Garfield County: REGISTER FOR ALERTS – garco911.com, INCIDENT UPDATES/SUBSCRIBE – garfieldcounty.net, FACEBOOK – facebook.com/garcosheriff

Garco911: No status change for Garfield County zones

Zone 70 moving to GO status (red)

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3

August 9, 2025, 1:51 p.m. – Zone 70 is the first zone in Garfield County to move to red status or GO NOW. The Lee Fire is moving southwest from Highway 13. The best route out is to move south on County Road 253 (Piceance Creek Road) to Highway 13 and proceed down to Rifle, local traffic will be let through this closed route.

Link to INTERACTIVE EVACUATION MAP (you can search your address here)

Follow these channels for updates: Elk and Lee Fire Information page, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office @garcosheriffGarfield County 911 @garco911, and garfieldcounty.net for updates.

Reminder if you are in need of the most current fire information on evacuation levels and live in Garfield County please register for emergency alerts at https://garco911.com/emergency-notification-system/. If you live in Rio Blanco County please register for alerts at https://rbc.us/AlertCenter.aspx?CID=Emergency-Alert-12

La zona 70 pasa al estado GO (rojo)

9 de agosto de 2025, 1:51 p.m. – La zona 70 es la primera zona en el condado de Garfield en pasar al estado rojo o SALIR AHORA. El incendio de Lee se está moviendo hacia el suroeste desde la autopista 13. La mejor ruta de salida es moverse hacia el sur por County Road 253 (Piceance Creek Road) hasta la autopista 13 y continuar hasta Rifle, el tráfico local podrá pasar por esta ruta cerrada.

Enlace al MAPA DE EVACUACIÓN INTERACTIVO (puedes buscar tu dirección aquí).

Siga estos canales para obtener actualizaciones: Elk and Lee Fire Information page, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office @garcosheriffGarfield County 911 @garco911, and garfieldcounty.net para actualizaciones.

Recordatorio: si necesita la información más actualizada sobre incendios y niveles de evacuación y vive en el condado de Garfield, regístrese para recibir alertas de emergencia en https://garco911.com/emergency-notification-system/. Si vive en el condado de Río Blanco, regístrese para recibir alertas en https://rbc.us/AlertCenter.aspx?CID=Emergency-Alert-12 .

GCSO: Evacuate livestock to Parachute Rodeo Grounds

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

August 9, 2025 – If evacuations are ordered, the Parachute Rodeo Grounds (100 La Plata Circle) can hold livestock. Plan your transportation now. Bring feed, water and medications and have halters and leads ready. We hope this won’t be needed, but being prepared helps keep people and animals safe.

GCSO: Evacuar el ganado a Parachute Rodeo Grounds

9 de agosto de 2025 – Si se ordenan evacuaciones, el Parachute Rodeo Grounds (100 La Plata Circle) puede albergar ganado. Planifique su transporte ahora. Lleve alimento, agua y medicamentos, y tenga listos cabestros y correas. Esperamos que esto no sea necesario, pero estar preparados ayuda a mantener a las personas y a los animales a salvo.

Zone 70 moving to GO status (red)

Lee Fire: New zones moved to SET status

Elk and Lee Fire information update

Update – Saturday, August 9, 2025

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3
Casey Cheesbrough, Incident Commander
Fire Information: 970-341-8665
Size: Elk Fire: 14,502 acres | Lee Fire: 88,755
Containment: Elk Fire: 8% | Lee Fire: 0%
Total Personnel: 1,245
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 13 Aircraft | 62 Engines | 21 Hand Crews | 13 Heavy Equipment

Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Bureau of Land Management Fire
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
BLM Colorado Fire
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado

Size: Elk Fire: 14,502 acres | Lee Fire: 88,755 Containment: Elk Fire: 8% | Lee Fire: 0%
Total Personnel: 1,245 Cause: Lightning
Resources: 13 Aircraft | 62 Engines | 21 Hand Crews | 13 Heavy Equipment
Important Notes: All updates related to the Elk and Lee Fires will be posted at: https://www.facebook.com/elkleefire/.

Road closures and evacuation notices for Rio Blanco County will still be posted on the Rio Blanco Sheriff Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice.

Evacuation information for Garfield County will be posted on the Garfield County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GarcoSheriff.

Yesterday: Lee Fire – Pyrocumulus clouds developed as a result of extreme fire behavior induced by high winds and extremely dry vegetation. It moved rapidly to the southeast, resulting in some spotting across CR 5. The fire did not cross into Garfield County however, the increase in activity initiated pre-evacuations in Garfield County. Aerial resources were utilized in the morning until increased winds in the early afternoon impacted the accuracy of water drops and eventually grounded the aircraft. Fire resources worked through the night to protect structures along CR 5. Firefighters conducted point protection around structures utilizing engines and dozers through the night.

Elk Fire: Smoke from the Lee Fire shaded the Elk Fire and reduced fire behavior allowing firefighters to further reinforce firelines. Structure protection resources continued monitoring and reinforcing around structures through the night.

Current Situation: Lee Fire – Firefighter and aerial resources are focusing on the spotting that occurred across CR 5 to contain the spots and keep the fire from spreading toward Hwy 13 and into Garfield County. Fire resources will continue structure protection around homes and other values at risk. Firefighters are patrolling and mopping up hot spots along the perimeter on the Hogback ridge.

Elk Fire: Firefighters will continue patrol and mop up containment lines to keep the fire from further spread. Structure protection resources will remain in place around residences and other values at risk.
Weather & Fire Behavior: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Temperatures will range in the low to mid-80’s. Humidity’s will fall in the low teens. Winds will shift to the north/northeast mid-morning until early evening. These weather conditions along with the dry fuels are conducive to extreme fire behavior.

Evacuations and closures: Go to the Rio Branco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page –
https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice – for accurate up-to-date information on all evacuations and road closures. To sign up for emergency alerts at: https://rioblancoalerts.genasys.com/portal/en.

For Garfield County go to: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/.
White River National Forest closure information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.
BLM White River Field Office closures information at: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-colorado-issues-emergency-closure-public-lands-rio-blanco-county.
Air Quality: Current air quality for your area can be found at fire.airnow.gov.

Elk and Lee Fire Information:
Phone: 970-341-8665; Email: 2025.elkrbx@firenet.gov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elkleefire
Iniciweb Lee Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-lee-fire
Inciweb Elk Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-elk-rbx-fire

New zones moved to SET status

8.9.25, 10:01 am – Zones 70 and 71: Due to the Lee Fire, you are in SET status. Prepare for sudden evacuation orders issued by Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. You will receive another message if you are updated to GO status. Check your zone on this map.

READY - possible evacuation in your area, SET - short notice evacuation likely in your area, GO - evacuation immediately from your area graphic.

Follow these channels for updates: Elk and Lee Fire Information page, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office @garcosheriff, Garfield County 911 @garco911, and garfieldcounty.net for updates.

Lee Fire: New zones moved to SET status

Lee Fire approaching Garfield County – resident action needed – two zones are now in SET status

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

8.9.25, 6:58 a.m. – New EVACUATION STATUS in Garfield County: Zones 80 and 81 are now in SET status. This is to the south of the fire in the northern edge of Garfield County. BE READY to evacuate with short notice from these zones. Prepare now.

See the interactive map link.

READY - possible evacuation in your area, SET - short notice evacuation likely in your area, GO - evacuation immediately from your area graphic.

Garfield County Public Health

8.9.25, 8:17 a.m. – The Lee Fire is producing smoke that is affecting air quality in Garfield County. Visit Air Now to understand if it’s safe to be active outdoors. Be smoke ready and know what steps you can take to protect yourself. If possible, have backup plans to avoid outdoor activities when smoke is thick, and know how to keep your indoor air clean.

Lee Fire approaching Garfield County – resident action needed – two zones are now in SET status

Garco Sheriff: Lee Fire approaching Garfield County – resident action needed

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

8.9.25, 6:01 a.m. – The Lee and Elk fires in the Meeker area are producing quite a bit of smoke in the valleys of Garfield County due to winds blowing to the south/southwest. There are NO NEW FIRES in GarCo at this time. Please do not call dispatch regarding this smoky haze or strong smell. Some areas of the county are also experiencing falling ash from these same fires.

?For updates and information regarding the Lee and Elk fires, please follow the Elk and Lee Fire Information page.?

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

8.8.25, 11:26 p.m. – Evening update with Incident Commander Casey Cheesbrough and Operations Planning Chief Tyler Nathe about the evening fire activity on the Lee Fire Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office BLM Colorado Fire Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Bureau of Land Management – Colorado Colorado Parks and Wildlife U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest Bureau of Land Management Fire Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority


Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and Incident Management Team for the Elk and Lee Fires

8.8.25, 9:30 p.m. – Winds are shifting to move the Meeker area Lee Fire to the southwest toward Highway 13 in southern Rio Blanco County. The Lee Fire is expected to near the Garfield County side overnight or early tomorrow.

Map of fire zones

Map of the fires

Open Fullscreen App

Fire officials are alerting Rio Blanco and Garfield County residents to prepare in Ready Set Go modes.

Residents in the area identified as zone 70 should move into Set status for short notice evacuation likely in your area, and zone 71 should move into Ready status to prepare for possible evacuation in your area.

Prepare for evacuation

Winds have been steadily moving toward the east southeast direction, and while fire behavior is expected to decrease overnight, the Lee Fire may shift southward.

Please register at garco911.com for emergency alerts, follow the fire incident facebook page @elkleefire and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office page, as well as garfieldcounty.net for further information.

Lee Fire images at sunset
Garco Sheriff: Lee Fire approaching Garfield County – resident action needed

Carbondale Fire: Ranch at Coulter Creek Fire

Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Garco911, CDPHE

Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District

Coulter Creek Fire final update

PRESS RELEASE
8.4.25, 4:19 p.m. –
Firefighters have concluded their work on the Coulter Creek Fire. The fire is 100 percent contained.

Firefighters will continue to patrol the fire area over the next few days to watch for any remaining hot spots or flare ups.

County Road 113 between County Road 100 and County Road 121 has reopened.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and the official cause is expected to be determined in the next few days. However, lightning in the area a few days before the fire started is believed to be the likely cause.

“The quick actions of firefighters combined with the support of air resources stopped this fire before it could cause greater damage,” said Fire Chief Rob Goodwin. “This was a strong team effort that demonstrates the value of our mutual aid partnerships and the training our crews do year round to prepare for these situations. I am grateful there were no injuries and no homes were lost in this fire.”

This is the final update on the Coulter Creek Fire unless conditions change.

PRESS RELEASE
8.4.25, 10 a.m.
– Firefighters are on scene at the Coulter Creek Fire today. Their assignment is to construct containment lines and to cold trail the fire. The fire size has been updated to 107 acres with 20 percent containment.

Cold trailing is a mop up technique used to make sure the fire is completely out. Firefighters carefully inspect and feel along the fire’s edge to detect any remaining heat or hot spots.

Aggressive firefighting on the ground, along with water and retardant drops from the air, stopped the fire’s spread yesterday.

While the fire is only 20 percent contained, that number reflects that there is not yet a complete control line – whether dug by hand or created with a wetline – around the fire.

Once cold trailing is complete, firefighters will be able to provide an updated containment number. Crews expect to finish mop up operations today and achieve 100 percent containment.

County Road 113 remains closed between County Road 100 and County Road 121, but is expected to be opened later today.

Assisting agencies today include Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit, BLM Colorado Fire, and the Alpine Pacific hand crew.

PRESS RELEASE
8.3.25, 6 pm

Carbondale, Colo. – The Coulter Creek Fire is currently estimated at 115 acres with 0 percent containment.

Evacuation orders have been lifted. County Road 113 will remain closed between County Road 100 and County Road 121.

Firefighters will remain on scene overnight to monitor the fire. In the morning, crews will focus on cold trailing the fire. Cold trailing is a mop-up technique used to ensure the fire is fully extinguished by carefully inspecting and feeling along the fire’s edge to detect any remaining heat or hot spots.

No homes were lost, though one outbuilding was destroyed in the fire. No injuries have been reported. The cause is under investigation by Carbondale Fire’s investigation team, but is not believed to be suspicious.

“Firefighters on the ground worked aggressively to build fireline and protect homes while air crews made repeated water and retardant drops to slow the fire’s spread,” said Incident Commander Bill Gavette. “This was a true team effort. Ground crews worked with air crews attacking the fire from multiple angles. That coordinated response was key to stopping the Coulter Creek Fire.”

Assisting agencies included Roaring Fork Fire, Aspen Fire, Glenwood Springs Fire, Grand Valley Fire, Eagle River Fire, Vail Fire, Summit Fire EMS , Red, White, and Blue Fire Protection District, Steamboat Springs Fire, Garfield County Sheriff, Eagle County Sheriff, Pitkin County Emergency Management, Garfield County Emergency Communications Center, Holy Cross Energy, and Black Hills Energy.

facebook: @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire

Garco911

Evacuation lifted

8.3.25, 5:06 pm – From CARBONDALE FIRE: Panorama subdivision, residences east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek, and Ranch at Coulter Creek – the fire evacuation has been LIFTED. Roads in the area will remain closed to non-local traffic.

Sign up for emergency alerts at garco911.com. To receive alerts in your preferred language, download the Reachwell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  Set your preferred language.  Search and add Garco911.

Se levanta la evacuaciĂłn

8.3.25, 5:06 pm – Desde el INCENDIO CARBONDALE: SubdivisiĂłn Panorama, residencias al este de la Carretera del Condado 100 hacia Upper Cattle Creek, y Rancho en Coulter Creek: se ha levantado la orden de evacuaciĂłn por incendio. Las carreteras de la zona permanecerán cerradas al tráfico no local.

Regístrese para recibir alertas de emergencia en garco911.com. Para recibir alertas en tu idioma preferido, descarga la app Reachwell desde la App Store de Apple o Google Play Store. Selecciona tu idioma preferido. Busca y añade Garco911.

Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District

8.3.25, 5 pm – UPDATE: The evacuation orders for the Coulter Creek Fire have been lifted. @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire

8.3.25, 5 pm – ACTUALIZACIĂ“N – Las Ăłrdenes de evacuaciĂłn para el Coulter Creek Fire se han levantado. @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire

8.3.25, 4:30 pm – UPDATE – the fire has been mapped at 115 acres.

8.3.25, 4:30 pm – ACTUALIZACIĂ“N – el fuego ha sido mapeado en 115 acres.

Colorado Division of Public Health & Environment Air Pollution Control Division

Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

Avisos en Español para todo el Estado (Colorado)

Issued for central and eastern Rio Blanco, eastern Garfield, and western Eagle Counties
Issued at 3:30 PM MDT, Sunday, August 3, 2025

Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Affected Area: Central and eastern Rio Blanco, eastern Garfield, and western Eagle Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Meeker, Carbondale, El Jebel, and along Highway 82 south of Glenwood Springs.

Advisory in Effect: 4:00 PM MDT, Sunday, August 3, 2025 to 9:00 AM MDT, Monday, August 4, 2025

Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood, you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Outlook: Smoke from the Grease fire and the Elk fire in central and southeastern Rio Blanco County, and the Coulter Creek fire in southeastern Garfield County will produce areas of moderate to heavy smoke Sunday evening and Monday morning. The greatest impacts are expected in areas in the immediate vicinity of these fires including mainly rural areas of Rio Blanco County south and southeast of Meeker; and in southeastern portions of Garfield County in the Roaring Fork Valley along Highway 82 near Carbondale and El Jebel; south of Glenwood Springs. Additional smoke impacts may be experienced across the advisory area due to transport of smoke on Sunday and Monday.

Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories

Colorado Smoke Blog

CDPHE wildfire smoke and health

Carbondale Fire

Coulter Creek Fire

PRESS RELEASE
8.3.25, 3:29 pm

Carbondale, CO – 11:04 a.m. today, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District was dispatched for a report of a wildland fire in the  Missouri Heights area.

Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire burning in grass, pinyon, juniper, and sage moving at a fast rate of spread. Crews immediately began suppression efforts from the ground while air resources were deployed to assist.

The fire is currently estimated at 80 acres. Structures are threatened, though no homes have been lost at this time. The fire is 0% contained, but the rate of spread has slowed due to coordinated efforts by ground crews and aerial resources.

Evacuation orders are in effect for residents in the Panorama Subdivision, the Ranch at Coulter Creek, and the area east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek Road. Impacted residents needing shelter can go to Roaring Fork High School. Roads in the area have been closed to allow firefighters to work safely.

Firefighters from multiple agencies are working together to contain the fire.

Additional updates will be provided as they become available. @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire @garcosheriff or garcosheriff

Coulter Creek Fire slurry drop on ridge

Coulter Creek Fire retardant release from helicopter

Coulter Creek Fire retardant application from helicopter

8.3.25, 2:30 pm: UPDATE: The fire is named the Coulter Creek Fire. It is estimated to be 80 acres. facebook: @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire

8.3.25, 2:30 pm: ACTUALIZACIÓN DE LAS 23:00: El incendio se denomina Coulter Creek Fire. Se estima que abarca una superficie de 80 acres. facebook: @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire

8.3.25, 1 pm: The Ranch at Coulter Creek fire is 35-40 acres. Multiple ground and air resources are on scene.

8.3.25, 1 pm: El Rancho en Coulter Creek fuego es 35-40 acres. Múltiples recursos contra incendios terrestres y aéreos están en la escena.

Coulter Creek Fire

Coulter Creek Fire

Carbondale Middle School evacuation center

8.3.25, 12:55 pm – From GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Panorama subdivision, residences east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek, and Ranch at Coulter Creek – due to FIRE, EVACUATE the area IMMEDIATELY. Evacuation center is Roaring Fork High School at 2770 Highway 133, Carbondale.

8.3.25, 12:55 pm – Desde la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield: SubdivisiĂłn Panorama, residencias al este de la Carretera del Condado 100 hacia Upper Cattle Creek, y Ranch en Coulter Creek: debido al incendio, se debe evacuar la zona inmediatamente. El centro de evacuaciĂłn es la Escuela Secundaria Roaring Fork, ubicada en la Carretera 133 n.° 2770, Carbondale.

EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY

8.3.25, 12:19 pm – From GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: From GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Panorama subdivision, residences east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek, and Ranch at Coulter Creek – due to FIRE, EVACUATE the area IMMEDIATELY. facebook: @garcosheriff or garcosheriff

EVACUAR INMEDIATAMENTE

8.3.25, 12:19 pm – Desde la OFICINA DEL ALGUACIL DEL CONDADO DE GARFIELD: Desde la OFICINA DEL ALGUACIL DEL CONDADO DE GARFIELD: SubdivisiĂłn Panorama, residencias al este de County Road 100 hasta Upper Cattle Creek y Ranch en Coulter Creek: debido al INCENDIO, EVACUE el área INMEDIATAMENTE. @garcosheriff or garcosheriff

8-3-25 Coulter Creek Fire
Coulter Creek Fire
8-3-25 Coulter Creek Fire
Coulter Creek Fire

Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection

8.3.25, 12: 06 pm update: Please avoid the area of County Road 100 – County Road 115 and the Missouri Heights area to allow firefighters to work

Ranch at Coulter Creek fire: facebook: @carbondalefiredistrict or Carbondale Fire

8.3.25, 11:24 am – We are on scene of a wildland fire north of Panorama Drive, below the Ranch at Coulter Creek Subdivision. Air resources are enroute.

Estamos en la escena de un incendio forestal al norte de Panorama Drive, por debajo del Rancho en Coulter Creek Subdivision. Los recursos aéreos están en camino.

Carbondale Fire: Ranch at Coulter Creek Fire

PRE-EVACUATION: CR 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) to main Rulison exit, mile marker 81, due to fire

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

A scorched hillside in the Cottonwood Fire near Rulison, CO.

July 18, 2025, 5:22 p.m. – If you live east of mile marker 4 on County Road 309, please use the Rulison exit to access your home. If you live west of mile marker 1.9 on County Road 309, please use the Parachute exit to access your home.

July 18, 2025, 4:41 p.m. – Fire crews made good progress today. As of 5 p.m., County Road 309 will move to pre-evacuation status. The road will remain closed to the public but open to residents. The fire has held steady at approximately 310 acres throughout the day.

July 18, 2025, 9:56 a.m. – All evacuations remain in place at this time. Please do not call Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (dispatch) for updates — their lines are overwhelmed, and it’s critical we keep them clear for emergencies.

We’ll share updates as soon as we have them. Fires can be unpredictable, and information isn’t always immediately available. We appreciate your patience as we work to keep everyone safe. Parachute Police Department Grand Valley Fire Protection District

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

July 18, 2025, 5:05 p.m. – Evacuated County road 309 residents: Evacuation has been lifted and you may return home. Be prepared to evacuate again if needed due to fire activity. Addresses greater than 4000, access your home via Rulison. Addresses lower than 1900, access your home via Battlement mesa.

July 17, 2025, 10:20 p.m. – Road open – Hwy 6 is open between mile-markers 77 and 83 both directions, Parachute to Rulison.

July 17, 2025, 4:38 p.m. – EVACUATION: County road 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) to main Rulison exit, mile marker 81: Due to the fire, evacuate the area immediately.

17 de julio de 2025, 4:38 p.m. – EVACUACIĂ“N: Carretera del condado 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) hasta la salida principal de Rulison, marcador de milla 81: Debido al incendio, evacue el área de inmediato.

PRE-EVACUATION: CR 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road) to main Rulison exit, mile marker 81, due to fire

Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Thursday, July 17

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

July 16, 2025, 12 p.m. – The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, BLM lands in Garfield County, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday July 17, 2025. This applies to all of Garfield County.

This decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data as well as the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. The current active wildfires in Colorado have already stretched our available resources and effected our ability to respond as necessary.

Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to including moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors and firefighting resource availability.

What Stage 2 fire restrictions mean in Garfield County

A) Use of fireworks – Not permitted

B) Burn permits (general) – No burn permits will be issued. All previously issued burn permits are cancelled.

C) Recreational fires – No recreational fires

D) Cooking fires – Use caution and keep attended. Cooking devices must be clean (including gas cylinder) and in proper working order.

a. Gas grills – No permit required.

b. Charcoal and other solid fuel grills and cookers – No permit required in developed areas only.

c. In undeveloped areas, a permit from the local fire department may be required.

E) Smoking – Open smoking allowed in developed areas.

a. In undeveloped areas, allowed only in an enclosed vehicle or building.

F) Welding and spark-emitting cutting (hot work) – Developed area: Use extreme caution and take preventative measures as necessary.

a. Undeveloped area: Industrial use only. A permit from the local fire department may be required. Must be in a cleared area at least 10 feet in diameter with a designated lookout. Must have Class A fire extinguishing capabilities readily available.

G) Operating of internal combustion engine-powered equipment, such as chainsaws, hand-held tools, or generators without a spark-arresting device is prohibited. If described equipment does have a spark arresting device, you must have Class A fire extinguishing capabilities readily available, and round-point shovel (36? length minimum) shall be readily available for use.

H) Other internal combustion engine-powered equipment, such as tractors and mowers: Operate with extreme caution paying special attention in areas subject to extreme conditions that may be susceptible to ignition (dry weeds and grasses, etc.).

I) Use of explosives, explosive targets and steel or tracer bullets – Not permitted

J) Use of firearms – Steel jacket/core bullets (Armor Piercing) and tracer bullets are expressly prohibited. It is the responsibility of each independent range to ensure safe fire conditions at all times the range is in use. This includes: mitigating fuels that may potentially catch fire; monitoring downrange conditions/impacts; maintaining the ability to access and rapidly extinguish fires; notifying the local fire department immediately in the event of a fire of any size. Keeping a usable fire-extinguishing application method on hand is strongly recommended.

a. If shooting at an unattended range – including those on public and private property – the responsibility for ensuring safe fire conditions falls on the independent shooter.

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 landowner. 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 parklands, 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 2 fire restrictions begin Thursday, July 17

Hilltop Fire update

Upper Colorado River Type-3 Interagency Incident Management Team

Hilltop fire photo with Bureau of Land Management, Garfield County Sheriff's Office and Garfield County logos

RULISON, CO – The Hilltop Fire has officially been declared contained as of 8 pm tonight. Tomorrow at 7 am, the incident will transition back to a Type 4 Incident Command structure. Remaining resources will continue to patrol, mop-up, and ensure that existing containment lines are secure. The Incident Commander estimates full control tomorrow, June 29th, at 8 pm.

According to Chris Bornholdt, Garfield County Emergency Operations Commander, “Evacuations were lifted last night, and residents were allowed to go back home. We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this unfortunate event. We would like to thank the firefighters and support personnel from the countless agencies who’ve worked tirelessly to suppress this incident.”

Please note that due to very high fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect in unincorporated Garfield County and on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and White River National Forest.

Hilltop Fire update

Interagency firefighters work diligently to stop spread of Hilltop Fire

Upper Colorado River Type-3 Interagency Incident Management Team

Bureau of Land Management, Garfield County Sheriff's Office and Garfield County logos

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Renelle Lott, Garfield County Communications Dept., 970.366.2275
June 27, 2025

RULISON, CO – Firefighters from multiple agencies continue fire suppression efforts to contain the Hilltop Fire located about 2 miles southeast of Rulison. More accurate mapping indicates the fire is currently at 326 acres and is 40% contained. Approximately 20-25 structures are at risk in the evacuation area.

A total of 153 personnel are currently on-scene. Resources include 13 engines, two type-2 initial attack crews, type-2 wildland fire module, type-2 suppression module, an interagency hot shot crew, smokejumpers, and support personnel.

Upper Colorado River Type-3 Interagency Incident Management Team assumed command this morning. Agencies providing support include Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control, Vail Fire Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department, Loveland Fire Department, and Adams County Fire Protection District.

Crews will continue working throughout the weekend to further containment efforts, suppress hot spots and perform mop-up operations. Safety is a priority for firefighters as they work around burned areas and debris, hot spots, and steep slopes.

Evacuations remain in effect for residents located within one mile of County Roads 320 and 309; pre-evacuation continues for residents more than one mile and within two miles of CR 320 and CR 309. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is helping evacuees access their homes when safely possible.

Power companies are working to restore damaged poles and wires.

The fire investigator determined that this fire was human-caused and preventable. As a reminder, stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in Garfield County and on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the White River National Forest. The weather is expected to remain hot and dry, with high temps and no moisture throughout the weekend.

We appreciate the support from the community and our partners. In the interest of public and emergency responder safety, please avoid the area.

We will share more information as it becomes available.

For fire updates and multimedia, visit garfieldcounty.net.

UPDATE: Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, it was announced that evacuations are lifted and displaced residents have returned to their homes. Garfield County is assisting with re-entry and recovery.

Interagency firefighters work diligently to stop spread of Hilltop Fire