Glenwood Springs Fire Department

City of Glenwood Springs to Host State of Public Safety Event

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Community Q&A with city police and fire departments on Wednesday, June 10

Glenwood Springs State of Public Safety flyer

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (June 3, 2026) – The City of Glenwood Springs is excited to announce its upcoming State of Public Safety event, taking place Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and socializing, then event presentations begin at 6 p.m. followed by the question-and-answer sessions.

The event is free and open to all community members, and RSVPs (gwsco.info/sops26) are strongly encouraged to ensure enough food for everyone. Spanish interpretation and childcare will be provided.

The evening sessions will begin at 6 p.m. with brief remarks by Chief of Public Safety Joseph Deras, followed by rotating, interactive Q&A sessions with police and fire department leaders. Residents will take turns asking questions and sharing feedback on topics including:

  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Fire Mitigation
  • Home Hardening
  • Evacuation Plans
  • Enforcement
  • Speed Cameras
  • Flock Cameras
  • Homelessness
  • Public Safety Funding

For anyone who might feel shy about expressing questions or comments in front of a group, there will also be lots of opportunities for written feedback. Questions and comments may also be submitted in advance at gwsco.info/sops26.

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Contact: Bryana Starbuck, Communications & Engagement Officer, bryana.starbuck@cogs.us

La ciudad de Glenwood Springs celebrará una sesion sobre el estado de la Seguridad Pública

Sesión comunitaria de preguntas y respuestas con los departamentos de policía y bomberos de la ciudad, el miércoles 10 de junio.

Glenwood Springs State of Public Safety flyer in spanish

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado (3 de junio de 2026) – La ciudad de Glenwood Springs se complace en anunciar su evento sobre el estado de la seguridad pública, que tendrá lugar el miércoles 10 de junio de 2026, de 5:30 a 8 p.m., en el Centro Comunitario.

El evento comenzará a las 5:30 p. m. con bocadillos y una oportunidad para convivir. Las presentaciones comenzarán a las 6 p. m., seguidas de una sesión de preguntas y respuestas.

El evento es gratuito y todos los miembros de la comunidad están invitados. Se recomienda confirmar su asistencia para garantizar que haya suficiente comida para todos. Habrá servicio de interpretación en español y cuidado infantil.

Las sesiones de la tarde comenzarán a las 6 p.m. con unas breves palabras del jefe de Seguridad Pública, Joseph Deras, seguidas de sesiones interactivas rotativas de preguntas y respuestas con líderes de los departamentos de policía y bomberos. Los residentes tendrán la oportunidad de hacer preguntas y compartir sus opiniones sobre temas como:

  • Preparación para emergencias
  • Mitigación de incendios
  • Protección de viviendas
  • Planes de evacuación
  • Cumplimiento de la ley
  • Cámaras de velocidad
  • Cámaras Flock
  • Personas sin hogar
  • Financiamiento para la seguridad pública

Para quienes se sientan tímidos al expresar sus preguntas o comentarios frente a un grupo, también habrá muchas oportunidades para enviar comentarios por escrito. Las preguntas y comentarios también podrán enviarse con anticipación en gwsco.info/sops26.

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Contacto: Bryana Starbuck, Oficial de Comunicación y Participación, bryana.starbuck@cogs.us

City of Glenwood Springs to Host State of Public Safety Event

GSFD: Paradise Creek Fire morning update

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Glenwood Springs Fire Department

UPDATE – 1:00 pm: Incident Commander Hostetler has declared the fire contained after firefighters successfully secured the established perimeter.

Fuels within the interior of the fire perimeter are expected to continue burning over the next few days, and smoke will remain visible in the area. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and address any concerns as needed.

A special thank you to the 24 Diamond Mountain Hotshots from California for their hard work and assistance on the fire this morning. The crew will be released from the incident at 2:00 p.m. today. We appreciate their dedication and support.

UPDATE – 9:50 am: Firefighters continue to work in steep, rocky terrain to strengthen containment lines and suppress remaining hot spots. Updated mapping has more accurately measured the fire at 4.54 acres.

Paradise Fire morning update photo

Paradise Fire morning update photo

Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department

Crews are continuing suppression efforts today. Approximately 30 firefighters and agency partners attended this morning’s briefing. Incident objectives include firefighter and resident safety, achieving full containment, and minimizing additional impacts to I-70.

For firefighter safety and access, the slow lane of westbound I-70 in the incident area is expected to remain closed throughout the day. Please use caution and expect delays while traveling through the area.

Thank you for your patience and support.

Paradise Fire teams meet to address fire needs

Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment

GSFD: Paradise Creek Fire morning update

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin June 10, 2026

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Above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain in the forecast

GCSO PRESS RELEASE
June 9, 2026

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 1 a.m., Wednesday June 10, 2026. This applies to all of Garfield County.

This decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources.

Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors, recent fire behavior witnessed over the past week and firefighting resource availability. It has been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we have had several Red Flag Warnings. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain anytime soon.

With increasingly dry vegetation, severe drought conditions, and more hot and dry conditions approaching, the danger for human caused wildfires increases even more.

What Stage I Fire Restrictions mean in Garfield County

  • Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
  • All burn permits are postponed/Canceled until further notice.
  • Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in Developed Areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store-bought fire pit) A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings will not be acceptable.
  • No fires of any type including charcoal in undeveloped areas.
  • No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
  • No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding” targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
  • Exercise common sense and industry safety practice when welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame always cleared safe area of vegetation and combustibles.

Penalties
Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges range from a Class 2 Felony to a petty offense depending on the value of the damage caused. You may be held financially responsible for damage caused.

Federal lands
The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.

By definition:
A “developed area” is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by land owner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.

An “undeveloped area” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin June 10, 2026

GSFD: I-70 reopens at South Canyon after brush fire

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

I-70 eastbound both lanes open at mile marker 109 (Canyon Creek). One lane open westbound I-70 at Glenwood Springs. There is still a westbound closure at Dotsero.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

UPDATE – 8:10 p.m. 6/9: I-70 eastbound is now open in both lanes.

I-70 westbound is opening in stages. Traffic at the Glenwood Springs exit, 116, is being released westbound through one open lane on I-70 in the first stage. Once that queue has been lessened, westbound traffic held at the Dotsero exit, 133, will be released.

Colorado Department of Transportation

I-70 both directions is CLOSED – 6:20 p.m. (6/8/2026)

I-70 remains closed in both directions from Chacra, Mile Point 109, to Dotsero, MP 133, due to an active fire. There is no estimated time for opening. Commuters are encouraged to use the norther detour route.

Westbound travelers:

> Take the Wolcott Exit, 159, north on CO 131, to US 40. Stay on US 40 past Craig, then take CO 13 southbound back to I-70 at Rifle.

Eastbound travelers:

> Take the Rifle Exit north on CO 13 to US 40. Take US 40 through Craig to CO 131. Take CO 131 south to Wolcott and back onto I-70.

For further updates, check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner App.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

UPDATE 7:30 pm – The aircraft has been released for the evening. Both eastbound lanes are expected to reopen shortly, along with one westbound lane.

UPDATE 6:42 pm – I-70 is expected to remain closed for an undetermined amount of time. We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as crews continue their work.

With back-to-back Red Flag days and challenging wind conditions, we are especially grateful to have air support assisting with fire suppression efforts. The safety of our community and responders remains the top priority, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Firefighting operations in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs

Truck and fire operations on hillside in South Canyon

Firefighters on hillside in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs

Paradise Fire helicopter with bucket

June 9, 2026, 4:40 p.m. – The fire size has been re-estimated at 8 – 10 acres in size.

Approximately 44 firefighters are working to stop fire growth in steep and rocky terrain. Due to high winds in the area, fixed wing aircraft are unable to operate at this time.

Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado, Colorado Department of Transportation are responding to this incident in mutual aid.

June 9, 2026, 4:07 p.m. – This fire has been named the Paradise Fire and is estimated at 20 acres. Two helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft are en route to assist with suppression efforts. Aircraft will be refilling bucket drops from the Colorado River. I-70 will remain closed at this time.
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ACTUALIZACIÓN 4:40 p. m.

El tamaño del incendio ha sido reestimado entre 8 y 10 acres.

Aproximadamente 44 bomberos trabajan para detener el crecimiento del fuego en un terreno empinado y rocoso. Debido a los fuertes vientos en la zona, las aeronaves no pueden operar en este momento.

Las siguientes agencias están respondiendo a este incidente en un esfuerzo conjunto de ayuda mutua:

Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

Colorado River Fire Rescue

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Colorado Department of Transportation

Todas estas entidades colaboran en las labores de respuesta y control del incendio.

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ACTUALIZACIÓN 4:07 p.m.

Este incendio ha sido nombrado Paradise Fire y se estima que abarca aproximadamente 20 acres.

Dos helicópteros y dos aeronaves están en camino para ayudar en las labores de supresión del incendio. Las aeronaves recargarán agua para las descargas con balde desde el río Colorado.

La I-70 permanecerá cerrada por el momento.

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ACTUALIZACIÓN: 3:15 p. m. Ambos sentidos de la I-70 están cerrado de la milla 112.

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Estamos respondiendo a un incendio junto a la I-70 en dirección oeste, en el marcador de milla 112 en South Canyon. El Departamento de Bomberos y Rescate del Río Colorado está respondiendo en apoyo mutuo. La I-70 en dirección oeste está siendo cerrada en el marcador de milla 112.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

June 9, 2026, 3:15 p.m. – Both directions of I-70 are now closed at the 112 milepost.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

June 9, 2026, 3:02 p.m. – Glenwood Springs Fire Department is responding to a brush fire on westbound I-70 at milepost 112 in South Canyon. Colorado River Fire Rescue is responding in mutual aid. I-70 westbound is being closed at milepost 112.

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

June 9, 2026, 3:06 p.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 112 WB, South Canyon, due to a fire.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment

GSFD: I-70 reopens at South Canyon after brush fire

GSFD / CDOT: I-70 westbound – right lane closed near No Name for fire activity

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White River National Forest

Crews expect full containment tonight on the two-acre Devil’s Hole Creek Fire, mile 123.4 in Glenwood Canyon. Firefighters have stopped the fire’s growth.

Great coordinated effort with federal, state and local resources. The other two fires mentioned below are named the Shoshone Fire (123.2), which is contained and estimated at two acres, and Grindstone Fire (119.5) which was contained at 0.1 acre by Glenwood Springs Fire Department.

White River National Forest
White River National Forest | facebook #WhiteRiverNF facebook

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

6:05 p.m. UPDATE: The 119.5 and 123.2 fires are contained. The 123.4 fire is more than 50% contained. Crews will remain on scene and continue to work the fires. Command has been turned over to U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest.

A special thank you to Defiance Rafting and Blue Sky Adventures for providing rafts that allowed firefighters to safely access the fire across the Colorado River. We appreciate their support and partnership. – Glenwood Springs Fire Department

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3:52 p.m. UPDATE:   A third fire has been located at milepost 123.2.  All three fires are south of the Colorado River near the railroad tracks.  A helicopter is conducting bucket drops.

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3:40 p.m. UPDATE:  An additional spot fire has been located adjacent to the railroad tracks near milepost 123.4.

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Shortly after 3:00 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a reported brush fire on the south side of the Colorado River near mile marker 119.5 eastbound on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.

Upon arrival, crews located a small brush fire burning in sagebrush. A Type 3 helicopter has been requested to assist with water bucket drops.  

For firefighter safety, the slow (right) eastbound lane of I-70 has been closed in the area. Motorists are encouraged to use caution, reduce speeds, and watch for emergency personnel working along the roadway.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment

Glenwood Springs Fire Department - fire activity

A brush fire burns in Glenwood Canyon.

A U.S. Forest Service truck and a Glenwood Springs Fire Department fire truck on the scene of a brush fire in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, CO.

Colorado Department of Transportation

Right lane closed. Updated today at 3:52 PM MDT by Colorado Department of Transportation

Between exit 121: Grizzly Creek and exit 119: No Name (near No Name) at Mile Point 119.5. The right lane is closed due to fire activity. Slower speeds are advised.

Comment: Right lane closed ahead use caution

Colorado Department of Transportation
COtrip website

GSFD / CDOT: I-70 westbound – right lane closed near No Name for fire activity

GSFD: Public Service Announcement

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Glenwood Springs Fire Department

Public Service Announcement

April 1, 2026

To All City and Rural-Area Glenwood Springs Residents and Visitors,

We are all aware of the lack of significant snow and rainfall, along with unseasonably elevated temperatures, and recognize the risk of wildfire is at an all-time high this year. Your Glenwood Springs firefighters are prepared and ready to respond quickly to any reports of smoke or fire. We are asking for your help to prevent and reduce the possibility of any sources of ignition.

Please take note of the following:

  1. All Open Burn Permits have been canceled. Glenwood Springs Fire Department (GSFD) will not issue new permits until this winter.
  2. Pay close attention to Red Flag Days in addition to Staged Fire Restriction measures. Follow all local rules and laws- these may vary if you travel and inform any guests visiting you.
  3. Fires are preventable. Take an extra minute to check your trailer chains are not dragging, keep your smoking materials inside, and consider doing yard work early in the morning. Any activity that produces a spark or flame needs to be closely monitored. Save s’mores for winter nights!
  4. Sign up now for Emergency Alerts, city news, and view evacuation plans at www.GlenwoodFire.com
  5. Wildfire moves fast. Ready, Set, Go! Be at the ready for evacuation notices and have a plan for your family and pets. Live Wildfire Ready by preparing your homes and creating defensible space.

Our community continues to build wildfire resiliency through homegrown efforts. We are fortunate to work alongside many agencies and organizations that help us with our mission. There are also new building codes and standards that are being adopted locally and State-wide this month that will ensure long-term success.

For any questions or concerns, please contact our main office at 970-384-6480.

Thank you and be safe,
Robin Pitt
Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Division

101 W. 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
970-384-6480  |  FAX 970-945-8506
SERVICE THROUGH DEDICATION, PROFESSIONALISM AND EXCELLENCE

Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment

GSFD: Public Service Announcement

City of Glenwood: Evacuations of Altitude Apartment buildings rescinded – brush fire east of Palmer Ave between 23rd and 27th Street

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Glenwood Springs Fire Department and Glenwood Springs Police Department

UPDATE 8:43 PM
Evacuations have been rescinded, and evacuees are being allowed back into their homes.
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UPDATE 8:25 PM
We are grateful for the support from the helicopter, whose work helped to slow the growth of the fire! The helicopter has been released. We will continue to work into the night with crews from Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, and Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, to build handline around the fire.
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UPDATE 7:40 PM
All Altitude Apartment buildings are actively being evacuated now.

UPDATE 7:37
Helicopter support is en route, approximately 8 minutes out.
Building C of the Altitude apartments is currently being evacuated.
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We are responding to an active brush fire east of Palmer Avenue between 23rd and 27th Street. The fire is estimated to be approximately a quarter acre in size. Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District is responding in mutual aid to support during this incident. Glenwood Springs Police Dept is also responding to this incident. Please avoid the area so first responders can work safely.

ACTUALIZACIÓN 7:40 PM
Todos los edificios de los apartamentos Altitude están siendo evacuados en este momento.

ACTUALIZACIÓN 7:37 PM
Apoyo aéreo en helicóptero está en camino, a aproximadamente 8 minutos de distancia.
El Edificio C de los apartamentos Altitude está siendo evacuado actualmente.

Estamos respondiendo a un incendio activo de maleza al este de la Avenida Palmer, entre las calles 23 y 27.
Se estima que el incendio abarca aproximadamente un cuarto de acre.
El Distrito de Protección Contra Incendios de Carbondale y Rural está prestando ayuda mutua en respuesta a este incidente.

El Departamento de Policía de Glenwood Springs también está respondiendo.
Por favor, evite el área para que los socorristas puedan trabajar de manera segura.

City of Glenwood Springs

6.26.25, 7:29 p.m. – Glenwood Spring Fire is responding to an active brush fire east of Palmer Avenue between 23rd and 27th Street. The fire is estimated to be approximately a quarter acre in size. Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District is responding in mutual aid to support during this incident.  Glenwood Springs Police Department is also responding to this incident.  Please avoid the area so first responders can work safely. Updates will be shared via Glenwood Springs Fire Department Facebook Page: facebook.com/GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment.

Estamos respondiendo a un incendio en matorral activo al este de Palmer Avenue, entre la 23.ª y la 27.ª calle de Glenwood Springs , con un tamaño estimado de aproximadamente ¼ de acre. 

El Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District está brindando apoyo mutuo en este incidente, y también está respondiendo el Departamento de Policía de Glenwood Springs, para asegurar una respuesta eficiente.

Por favor, eviten la zona para permitir que los primeros respondedores trabajen con seguridad.

City of Glenwood: Evacuations of Altitude Apartment buildings rescinded – brush fire east of Palmer Ave between 23rd and 27th Street