GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. — The Rifle Falls Fire, a small wildfire that sparked near Rifle on Sunday, was 70% contained as of Monday evening, according to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office.
The fire was first reported Sunday evening near the Rifle Creek Fish Hatchery and Rifle Falls. Residents near the intersection of Highway 325 and County Road 226 north through Rifle Mountain Park were evacuated and a road closure was set up. Because of an aggressive initial attack, the fire's spread was limited to three acres, the sheriff's office said.
There were several hotspots overnight Sunday into Monday, which were a real concern for expansion, so firefighters remained at the scene to limit its spread, the sheriff's office said.
By midnight, the evacuation south of Rifle Creek Falls was lifted, and by 7 a.m. Monday, the road closure was lifted. The only remaining evacuations are at the Rifle Creek Fish Hatchery, which remains closed, and the Fish Hatchery Trail System.
The sheriff's office said by 4 p.m. Monday, the fire was estimated at 70% contained. Firefighters will stay until it is 100% contained.
