GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Interstate 70 in Garfield County was closed in both directions for nearly five hours Tuesday due to a brush fire in the area. The eastbound lanes and one westbound lane reopened around 8 p.m.
All lanes reopened in both directions around 10 p.m.
The closure, just west of Glenwood Springs, was between U.S. 6 (Chacra) and Exit 114 (West Glenwood), according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
CDOT was encouraging commuters to use the northern alternate route — a two-hour-long detour.
The fire, called the Paradise Fire, had burned an estimated 4.5 acres as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.
In a Wednesday morning update, the Glenwood Springs Fire Department said the main objectives for the day are to fully contain the fire and minimize impacts to I-70.
The Glenwood Springs Fire Department said that approximately 44 firefighters were working to stop the fire's spread in steep, rocky terrain Tuesday. About 30 firefighters, plus agency partners, are expected at the fire on Wednesday.
The fire department also said that two helicopters are en route to assist with suppression efforts, refilling bucket drops from the Colorado River.
It's not known what sparked the blaze, which is burning close to the westbound lanes in South Canyon, but the area is under a red flag warning for extremely dry conditions.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional details are learned
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