Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Carbondale Fire: Ranch at Coulter Creek Fire

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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.

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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: ACTUALIZACIĂ“N 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Stage I fire restrictions begin June 26

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A scorched hillside in Garfield County following a wildfire.

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Garfield County, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions effective at midnight on Thursday, June 26, 2025. 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, including moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors, 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 CountyFireworks 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 landowner. 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.

U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management

White River National Forest and BLM Upper Colorado River District to enact stage 1 fire restrictions

June 25, 2025, 1:04 p.m. – GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – All lands managed by the White River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District will be under stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Friday, June 27.

Under stage 1 restrictions for the Bureau of Land Management and White River National Forest:

  • campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (including the Forest Service Homestake Valley designated dispersed camping sites in Eagle County); this means a metal, in-ground containment structure — fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.
  • no fires of any type including charcoal outside of developed areas
  • no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation
  • no use of explosive materials, including explosive targets
  • no welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation
  • no operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order

Although conditions vary across the area, a longer-term drying trend is expected to continue.

“Fire restrictions are prudent at this time considering the long-range forecast, fuel moisture conditions on the ground, and the continued high public visitation,” said White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell. “In developed campgrounds where campfires are permitted, please ensure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving.”

“As we enter stage 1 fire restrictions, it’s crucial for everyone to understand the importance of fire safety during this dry season,” said BLM Upper Colorado River District Manager Greg Larson. “We urge all residents and visitors to be vigilant and responsible with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire. Remember, fireworks are not allowed on federal land.”

Officials consider several criteria when determining the need for fire restrictions, including current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability, and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions. Local, county, state and federal officials within this area evaluate and coordinate fire restrictions weekly during fire season.

BLM Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices, part of the BLM Upper Colorado River District, and unincorporated private lands in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin and Summit counties will also enter fire restrictions this week.

Stage I fire restrictions begin June 26

Law enforcement activity at 513 West Ave. in Rifle

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

On June 18, 2025, the SPEAR task force, with the assistance of the Garfield County All Hazards Response Team (AHRT), executed a narcotics related search warrant at 513 West Ave. in the City of Rifle.

With elements of this case still open, we will hold off on some of the details but wanted the public to know there is no ongoing threat to the community.

SPEAR would like to thank the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Rifle Police Department for their assistance.

SPEAR is a multi-jurisdictional task force based out of the Garfield County, comprised of local and federal law enforcement agencies. Anyone with information on criminal activity is encouraged to reach out to SPEAR through your local law enforcement agency or dispatch at 970 625-8095.

Law enforcement activity at 513 West Ave. in Rifle

BLM, GCSO cancel stage 1 fire restrictions on Aug. 23

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

August 22, 2024, 3 p.m. – The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are lifting Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in all unincorporated areas of Garfield County effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2024.

The recent rainfall in our area, along with cooler weather, has allowed Stage I Restrictions to be lifted in Garfield County at all elevations. Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria, including the moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human “risk” factors, and firefighting resource availability.

Please exercise due diligence, be careful if you are building a campfire or partaking of any activity in an undeveloped area that might create sparks. There are still a lot of fuels and dry vegetation in Garfield County where a fire could ignite and quickly spread.

Common sense and caution are the rule of the day. Enjoy our great outdoors here in western Colorado, but do so carefully. Starting a wildfire would not only ruin your day, but could cost someone a life, the loss of a home or other personal property. Undoubtedly, there would be legal consequences if you were to start a fire.

Garfield County fire restrictions

Bureau of Land Management

AUGUST 22, 2024 – The Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District is removing stage 1 fire restrictions for the Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices effective 12:01 a.m. Friday. BLM fire managers, along with agency partners, evaluated current fire danger and predicted weather, and determined that conditions no longer meet the criteria for remaining in fire restrictions.

“We thank the public for their cooperation during fire restrictions this year,” said Acting Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Officer Lathan Johnson. “And we ask that they continue to be fire safe while they enjoy our public lands.”

Although reduced, the risk of wildfires remains.

“Even though we’ve had rain, the threat of fire still exists,” said Johnson. “We encourage our public land users to always use caution while working or recreating outdoors: don’t park in tall, dry grass; when leaving your campfire, put it out with water, stir, and make sure it is cold to the touch; and remember that fireworks are never allowed on public land.”

BLM fire managers will work with local agencies to monitor conditions and evaluate needs for further restrictions. Fire restriction rescission orders for the BLM Upper Colorado River Valley District are available on the district website.

BLM, GCSO cancel stage 1 fire restrictions on Aug. 23

Stage 1 fire restrictions in Garfield County continue below 8,000 feet

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Multi-agency press release from Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

8.14.24, Garfield County, CO – The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are continuing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in all unincorporated areas of Garfield County effective at 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 16, 2024.

The recent rainfall in our area has allowed the Stage I restrictions to be lifted above the 8000 foot level, however, conditions below that elevation are still at risk due to many of the considerations noted below. These criteria, coupled with the availability of resources due to other fires in Colorado and adjoining states dictates that we continue the Stage I restrictions below the 8000 foot level in Garfield County. Dry vegetation and the severe drought conditions we have recently experienced increases the danger for human-caused wildfires.

The 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 and firefighting resource availability. It’s been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we have had several Red Flag Warnings.

What Stage 1 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 operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame with a safe area clear 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 the 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 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.

City of Glenwood fire restrictions

Levels of fire restrictions

Stage 1 fire restrictions in Garfield County continue below 8,000 feet

GCSO: Stage I fire restrictions begin August 2, 2024

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, BLM, local fire districts

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN AUGUST 2, 2024

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, August 2, 2024. 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; 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 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.

GCSO: Stage I fire restrictions begin August 2, 2024