(Pine Gulch Fire)
By Nia Bender
COLORADO – The Pine Gulch Fire north of grand junction is now the largest wildfire in colorado’s history, breaking the record of the 2002 Hayman Fire last night. It’s now over 139-thousand acres and 77% contained. The fire was started by lightning on July 31st. Evacuations are ordered for all residents of Garfield County west of CO-139 to the Utah border. Douglas Pass has reopened, but travelers need to be aware it could be closed again.
The Grizzly Creek Fire started on August 10th, near Glenwood Springs. It’s still at 61-percent containment and over 32-thousand acres are burned. The fire closed I-70 through the Glenwood Canyon for two and hile the lanes have reopened, the westbound lanes are being rerouted onto the eastbound side of the interstate. If you have plans to head west, make sure to check on road conditions before you leave. You can do so by clicking here.
(Grizzly Creek Fire)
On a lighter and cuter note, even cattle need to stay hydrated in the heat. Firefighters came across a herd of about 50-cattle taking advantage of a pair of portable water tanks that were set up for suppression activities on the southern perimeter of the fire in the area of Hopkins Reservoir. The thirsty bovines drained one of the 1,200-gallon tanks, called “pumpkins” because they are round and orange, and put a decent dent in the other one. Fire crews are hoping they won’t decide to make this their preferred watering hole.
The Cameron Peak Fire west of Lake Chambers in western Larimer County grew to just under 23-thousand acres and crews have gained no containment. If you have weekend plans, keep in mind that Highway 14 closed both directions between Walden and Kelly Flats (east of Rustic) due to wildfire. There is no estimated time to reopen.
(Cameron Peak Fire)
