Firefighting Progress on Western Slope as Rainy Weather Brings Flash Flood Risks

Firefighting Efforts Advance Amid Mixed Weather Conditions on the Western Slope

Firefighting teams on the Western Slope have achieved significant progress in their battle against multiple wildfires, aided by cooler temperatures and cloud cover. However, residents are warned that air quality has deteriorated due to persistent smoke from the fires, prompting an alert that will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Saturday for Mesa and Montrose counties, as reported by Colorado’s health department.

According to the National Weather Service’s Grand Junction office, thunderstorms and strong winds are also forecasted for a large part of the Western Slope. These conditions raise the risk of flash flooding, particularly in areas near burn scars and slot canyons.

South Rim Fire Update

The South Rim Fire, which is currently located within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, is reported to be 14 percent contained. Tyler Nathe, an operations section chief with the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3, has indicated positive developments as crews continue to establish firebreaks with bulldozers. Despite this progress, he noted that the surrounding trees, grasses, and vegetation remain highly susceptible to ignition.

The blaze has caused considerable destruction, damaging multiple structures within the park, such as the South Rim campground and other visitor facilities. Consequently, all reservations at the South Rim campground along with wilderness permits have been canceled, with no projected reopening date at this time. The fire has expanded to an area of 4,251 acres, translating to approximately 6.6 square miles. Surveillance flights utilizing infrared technology to assess the blaze were not conducted overnight, meaning the acreage could alter in future updates.

Turner Gulch and Wright Draw Fires

The Turner Gulch fire, now reaching a size of 15,286 acres, is the largest wildfire currently fully contained within Colorado and is 34 percent contained. Rob Powell, a section chief managing this fire, mentioned in a recent update that officials hope to allow some evacuated residents to return home today, pending consultation with the Mesa County sheriff’s office and the state transportation department.

Following recent assessments, the sheriff’s office has downgraded evacuation notices on private lands between mile markers 120 and 134 along Highway 141 to a “pre-evacuation” status. Powell added that crews, utilizing bulldozers across challenging and steep terrain, are continuing efforts to control the fire, with weather conditions presenting a welcome advantage.

Conversely, the smaller Wright Draw fire has reached 448 acres. Powell expressed cautious optimism, stating that while containment measures appear effective, vigilance is crucial, given the unpredictable nature of wildfire fuels.

Other Noteworthy Fires

The Cottonwood Flat fire, which ignited Thursday on a county road linking Rulison and Parachute, has expanded to approximately 311 acres. Residents living within a one-mile radius of 1800 County Road 309 are currently under evacuation orders issued by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sowbelly Fire located in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is now around 24 percent contained and spans 2,274 acres. The Bureau of Land Management has reported that the fire is mostly creeping and smoldering but that they are making strides in creating a secure perimeter.

A smaller portion of the Deer Creek Fire, which encompasses nearly 16,000 acres overall, is currently burning near Paradox, Colorado. As of Friday morning, a pre-evacuation notice has been issued for part of the county’s western edge. Presently, the entire Deer Creek Fire stands at 11 percent containment.