DENVER — Firefighters are battling at least four separate wildfires on Colorado’s Western Slope that have ravaged thousands of acres and closed a national park amid dry conditions.
More than 6,000 acres are burning in four separate wildfires — at least three of which were sparked by lightning on Thursday — in Delta, Mesa and Montrose counties.
Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster declaration for the fires on Sunday, which frees up state and federal resources.
Most of the Western Slope is under extreme or severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
South Rim Fire
The South Rim Fire, burning inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, has expanded to more than 3,600 acres and remains 0% contained.
It was sparked by lightning and first reported on Thursday morning.
The South Rim Fire has led to evacuations of the national park and nearby areas, including Bostwick Park and residents on N73, N74, O74 roads. Highway 437 is closed at Highway 50.
Wildfire
Fire inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park grows to 4,160 acres
No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been lost.
The national park remains closed as 309 firefighters continue the battle the blaze with a variety of resources, including two aircraft, five crews, eight engines, two dozers and four water tenders, a Monday update from the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team (RMIMT) states.
Aircraft filling from Blue Mesa Reservoir has forced the closure of the reservoir to both motorized and non-motorized boats west of Middle Bridge.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located primarily in Montrose County, is situated nine miles east of the city of Montrose.
Updates posted to:
Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Facebook
Inci web
Sowbelly Fire
The 2,274-acre Sowbelly Fire is burning in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area in Delta and Mesa counties.
The lightning-caused fire is 0% contained and was first reported Thursday evening.
There are currently no evacuations in place, and no structures have been reported lost.
Firefighters are creating fuel breaks and utilizing masticators to clear roadways for improved access to the fire.
Updates posted to:
Inci web
Delta County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
BLM Colorado Fire Facebook
Wright Draw Fire
The 264-acre Wright Draw Fire is burning off Highway 141, northeast of the town of Gateway in Mesa County.
Evacuations are in place on land along Highway 141, between mile markers 120-124. An evacuation center has been set up at the Clifton Community Center.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been lost.
Updates posted to:
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Facebook
Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
Turner Gulch Fire
The Turner Gulch Fire is burning off Highway 141, northeast of the town of Gateway in Mesa County, and has grown to 1,470 acres.
The lightning-caused fire was first reported Thursday and remains at 0% containment.
No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been lost.
Evacuations are in place on land along Highway 141, between mile markers 120-124 and 128-131.
An evacuation center has been set up at the Clifton Community Center.
Updates posted to:
Inci web
Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Facebook
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