Glenwood Springs Fire Department

Stage I fire restrictions begin July 21, 2023

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, BLM, and fire districts in Garfield County

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – 7.18.23, 9:23 p.m.

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN JULY 21, 2023

Garfield County, CO, The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County.

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

Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors and firefighting resource availability. It’s been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we’ve had 12 Red Flag Warnings, which is more than what we typically see over an entire year. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain anytime soon.

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

WHAT STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS MEAN IN GARFIELD COUNTY

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

Penalties

Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges include Fourth Degree Arson (M2) and Intentionally Setting a Wildfire (F3). You may also be held financially responsible for damage caused.

Federal Lands

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

By Definition:

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

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

Stage I fire restrictions begin July 21, 2023

Carbondale Fire: Structure Fire at 150 Midland Loop

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Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District

150 Midland Loop fire with flames evident on porch and entrance
Entrance and porch of Aspen Glen home engulfed in flames

Carbondale, Colo. – On July 7, 2023, at approximately 7:26 p.m., Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District was dispatched to 150 Midland Loop (Aspen Glen Subdivision) for a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, crews found a single-family structure that was under construction with smoke and flames coming out of the front and side of the residence. The fire had also extended into the roof and was moving quickly to the other side of the structure. Firefighters from Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, and Roaring Fork Fire departments attacked the fire with a ladder truck, fire engines, and numerous hose lines.

“When we arrived on scene, the fire was coming out of three sides of the structure. The firefighters worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures, trees, and the grassy area behind the residence. Our crews worked together to prevent a larger tragedy,” said Battalion Chief Ashley Buss Greene.

The fire will be investigated for cause and origin by Carbondale Fire. No loss amount has been determined at this time, though the structure is a total loss. There were no injuries to firefighters or bystanders.

Carbondale Fire responded with four fire apparatus. Glenwood Springs Fire Department responded with two fire engines, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue responded with a fire engine and ambulance. There were 22 personnel on scene. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office also responded to this incident.

Crews are still on scene, and will be monitoring the fire throughout the night.

Aspen Glen home with interior engulfed in flames
Interior of Aspen Glen home engulfed in flames
Blackened front of Aspen Glen home
Blackened front of Aspen Glen home
Carbondale firefighter spraying exterior of Aspen Glen home
Carbondale firefighter sprays external areas of Aspen Glen home
Carbondale Fire: Structure Fire at 150 Midland Loop

GSFD: Fire near homeless camp contained

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Glenwood Springs Fire Department

8.4.22, 1:19 pm – Glenwood Springs Fire Department personnel responded to small wildland fire above Walmart in Glenwood Springs today. Crews quickly responded and were able to contain the fire to 1/10 of an acre. The fire was burning near a homeless camp, which is why there was a small propane explosion. The fire was contained in about 40 minutes. Mutual aid was received from Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Police Dept, and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado.

Expect to see crews in the area for a little longer while the fire is mopped up.

GSFD: Fire near homeless camp contained

Garfield County fire departments work together to ensure emergency response services in Garfield County

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As rates of COVID-19 increase, the fire chiefs and EMS chiefs of Colorado River Fire Rescue, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, and Grand Valley Fire Protection District are pleased to share the news of our continued collaboration, as we take proactive measures to ensure service continuity.

Through this partnership, we will be able to share resources and provide additional emergency medical support if COVID-related calls begin to overwhelm the 911 system. We continue to adopt new and proactive measures to protect you and our personnel. As we did during the exceptional drought conditions, our departments will be strategically placing ambulances throughout our communities to respond to calls more quickly and readily. We are proud of this partnership, and the security it offers in ensuring the success of our continuity of operations plan.

Colorado River Fire Rescue Transitioning Chief Leif Sackett said, “By working together we are able to share our resources and respond more quickly to patients in need. Our number one goal is the safety of our personnel and community members. This partnership enables us to provide the best medical care and quick transport to the hospital, even if a fire department becomes short-staffed due to COVID-19.”

For further information, please contact any of the Garfield County Fire Chiefs.

Garfield County fire departments work together to ensure emergency response services in Garfield County

GSFD: Grizzly Creek Fire burning in Glenwood Canyon

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Grizzly Creek Fire information in Spanish-|

UPDATE 8.10.20 – 9:00 p.m. – Wildfire ignites in Glenwood Canyon this afternoon
I-70 from Glenwood Springs to Gypsum will remain closed overnight
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — This afternoon about 60 firefighters and numerous aircraft responded to the 1,300-acre Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon near the Grizzly Creek rest area, about five miles east of Glenwood Springs.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. There are no immediate threats to structures and no evacuations are in place.
Most of the firefighting effort this afternoon took place from the air because the rugged terrain and extreme fire behavior. This afternoon the air attack included two VLATs (very large air tankers), five LATs (large air tankers), five helicopters, and two SEATs (single engine air tankers).
Interstate 70 is closed in both directions from Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) to Exit 140 (Gypsum); alternate routes are advised. The highway will be reopened when it is safe to do so.
The Forest Service is closing Coffee Pot Road outside of Dotsero and associated areas of the Flattops, as well as Hanging Lake. A map and more information about the closure will be posted tomorrow.
The fire was first reported 1:29 p.m. today. Upon arrival the firefighters encountered large active flames in the I-70 median before the fire took a run up the north-facing slope. Supporting agencies include the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Gypsum Fire Protection District, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, Carbondale Fire and Rural Fire Protection District, Colorado River Fire Rescue, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
Firefighters are coordinating closely with the Colorado Department of Transportation. Firefighters reported extreme fire behavior. Conditions throughout western Colorado remain very dry, and fire danger is high. Fire updates can be found on the Grizzly Creek Fire Facebook page @GrizzlyCreekFireCO or InciWeb
For Colorado Department of Transportation updates please visit:
COTRIP

Grizzly Creek Fire
8:30 pm 8-10-2020 Grizzly Creek Fire Photo by: Jenny Cutright

UPDATE 8.10.20 – 8:45 p.m. – FINAL EVENING UPDATE: Fire operations will conclude tonight and begin again tomorrow. CDOT has released that I-70 Glenwood Canyon Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) to Exit 140 (Gypsum) will remain closed overnight. Also, access to the Flat Tops Wilderness from Coffee Pot Road is closed. For updates please visit: InciWeb

UPDATE 8.10.20 – 7:45 p.m. – I-70 Mountain Corridor Advisory: I-70 Glenwood Canyon closure to continue overnight. press release-|

UPDATE 8.10.20 – 5:46 p.m. – The Grizzly Creek Fire is reporting around 1,300 acres with over 60+firefighters on scene. Heavy air attack with four Heavy Air Tankers, two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) and a Type I and Type III helicopter. NO DRONES or UAS (unmanned aerial systems) are authorized in the area #IfYouFlyWeCant #grizzlycreekfire#120Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/

UPDATE 8.10.20 – 5 p.m. – This active wildfire continues to burn in Glenwood Canyon near Grizzly Creek (about six miles east of the main Glenwood Springs Exit). Currently there is heavy air attack taking place. A Temporary Flight Restriciton (TFR) is in place over the fire, remember NO DRONES or UAS (unmanned aerial systems) are authorized in the area #IfYouFlyWeCant #grizzlycreekfire#120Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/

UPDATE 8.10.20 at 4:40 p.m. – Official fire information located at:

Inciweb is active-incident #6942

White River National Forest facebook page @grizzlycreekfireco

Phone: #970-930-1850

grizzlycreekfire@gmail.com

UPDATE 8.10.20 at 4:30 p.m. – The eastbound I-70 closure now begins at Canyon Creek, at mile marker 109.

UPDATE 8.10.20 at 3:15 p.m. – The westbound I-70 closure now begins at Gypsum, at mile marker 140.
press release-|

UPDATE: 8.10.20 at 2:48 pm – In light of the Glenwood Canyon Interstate 70 closure, CDOT recommends that westbound travelers take US 24 to US 285 to Poncha Springs, where motorists can turn west on US 50, which reaches I-70 in Grand Junction.

Eastbound travelers should take US 50 to Poncha Springs, turn left onto US 285 to US 24, which reaches I-70 between Avon and Vail.

Motorists can take a northern detour of CO 131 to US 40 to 139. CO 13 at Rifle is open at this time, but not recommended due to construction.


UPDATE: 8.10.20 at 2:44 pm – One helicopter is on scene. Four heavy air tankers are en route. 

Aug. 10 – 1:38 p.m. – Glenwood Springs Fire Department is responding to a brush fire at mile marker 120 on eastbound Interstate 70. I-70 closed eastbound at mile marker 116 in Glenwood Springs. Closed westbound at Dotsero. Air support en route and the fire is moving uphill rapidly.

This will be updated as more information comes in.

Follow updates on facebook: @glenwoodspringsfiredepartment; to sign up for emergency alerts in Garfield County, please visit garco911.com and register at garfieldcounty.net for Garfield County Emergency Management.



GSFD: Grizzly Creek Fire burning in Glenwood Canyon

Glenwood Springs Fire Department: Oak Meadows Fire

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Glenwood Springs, Colo – At 11:32 a.m. on August 8, 2020, Glenwood Springs Fire Department was called to a brush fire in the Oak Meadows area of Four Mile.

Upon arrival, firefighters found active flames under a power line on a moderate slope with high spread potential. Two residential structures were in immediate danger of the fire. The firefighters immediately began structure protection as well as extinguishment efforts. Pre-evacuation was quickly ordered for residents on the bottom half of South Oak Way.

A structure engine, water tender truck, three brush trucks and a command vehicle with 12 firefighters plus three type six engines and a helicopter responded from Interagency, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District and Colorado River Fire Rescue. Garfield County Sheriff and Holy Cross Electric also responded to this incident. Both Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District and Colorado River Fire Rescue provided local emergency coverage during this incident.

Incident Commander, Denny Hostetler, said, “Quick response and collaboration with Mutual Aid partners prevented this from becoming what could have been a significant event.”  The Glenwood Springs Fire Department would like to thank our mutual partners for their impressive response.

The fire grew to .63 acres and is now extinguished.  Pre evacuation orders have been lifted.  Glenwood Springs Fire Department will continue to monitor the area into the evening.

It is believed a failed powerline transformer started this brush fire. 

No injuries have been reported at this time.

There will be no further information released.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department: Oak Meadows Fire

Glenwood Springs Fire Department: Pre-evacuation orders lifted

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Wildfire is located in Oak Meadows area of Four Mile near Glenwood Springs

UPDATE: 8.8.20 at 1:13 p.m. – Glenwood Fire reports pre-evacuation orders are lifted.

Around noon, pre-evacuation orders were in place for the bottom half of South Oak Way Lane. For pre-evacuation, residents should collect their personal items and valuables and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Mutual aid from Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Colorado River Fire Rescue and a helicopter are assisting on this incident.

More info will be released as it becomes available. View updates on facebook: @glenwoodspringsfiredepartment.

Fire updates are available at garfieldcounty.net emergency management feed. If you are a subscriber, click on posts in the emails you receive to view updates.

Visit garco911.com to register for emergency alerts, including evacuations and all hazard notifications.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department: Pre-evacuation orders lifted

Glenwood Springs Fire Department: GSFD is responding to a brush fire in the Oak Meadows area.

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Wildfire is located in Oak Meadows area of Four Mile near Glenwood Springs

View newer posts on this fire.

More info will be released as it becomes available. View updates on facebook: @glenwoodspringsfiredepartment.

Fire updates are available at garfieldcounty.net emergency management feed. If you are a subscriber, click on posts in the emails you receive to view updates.

Visit garco911.com to register for emergency alerts, including evacuations and all hazard notifications.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department: GSFD is responding to a brush fire in the Oak Meadows area.

Crews battle wildfire along Interstate 70 west of Glenwood Springs

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8.7.20 at 4 p.m.: CDOT reports I-70 west of Glenwood Springs now has all lanes open in the 111 Fire area.

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UPDATE: 8.7.20 at 9 a.m. – Crews made significant progress on the 111 Fire yesterday, which is now 85 percent contained at nine acres. The BLM Type 3 team has transferred the fire to a Type 4 team as final mop up operations continue, to help address remaining hot spots.

CDOT has a westbound closure on I-70 in effect again to assist with firefighting efforts on the 111 Fire. The closure is in the same location: Mile Point 111 – 113 in South Canyon, west of Glenwood Springs. CDOT indicates to plan for delays again this afternoon and evening; however lanes will reopen as soon as possible

Glenwood Springs, Colo. — On Aug. 5, the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire and Aviation Management Unit (UCR) along with Glenwood Springs Fire Department and other local agencies responded to a vegetation fire on the north side of Interstate 70 near mile marker 111.

Multiple agencies had a quick response and aided in the initial attack. Air support from the Pine Gulch Fire in western Garfield County was able to assist with water drops. Pre-evacuations were ordered for Ami’s Acres Campground during initial attack and will remain in place through this afternoon due to the red flag warning. There are currently no structures threatened.

Due to more accurate mapping, the fire is nine acres in size and crews have been able to stop the forward progression. The fire is determined to be human caused and is under investigation.

Colorado Department of Transportation with have the right-hand westbound lane temporarily closed during firefighting efforts. Travelers should expect slight delays and drive with caution.

“We saw great coordination between local, state and federal agencies which made for quick and efficient initial attack,” said UCR Incident Commander Ryan Hughes “That coordination and shared resources allowed us to be able to stop this fire from potentially becoming a large incident.”

Sixty-five personnel, one Type 3 helicopter, three hand crews, and several engines are securing the perimeter and extinguishing hotspots within the fire. Smoke may be seen, but is not expected to impact communities given the decrease in fire behavior and suppression efforts. With the current red flag warning and the hot and dry conditions, fire personnel are taking all precautions to gain full containment by end of today.

Fire updates are available at garfiedcounty.net emergency management feed. Visit garco911.com to register for emergency alerts, including evacuations and all hazard notifications.

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The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire and Aviation Management Unit (UCR) includes Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service firefighting resources that cover 5.8 million acres along the Interstate 70, Colorado River and Roaring Fork River corridors from the Continental Divide to the Utah state line. The UCR includes the White River National Forest and the BLM’s Colorado River Valley and Grand Junction field offices. The UCR cooperates with other federal and state agencies, local communities, and fire departments on a wide range of activities including fuels treatments, fire prevention, and suppression.

Crews battle wildfire along Interstate 70 west of Glenwood Springs