A new wildfire, the Cottonwood Flat Fire, ignited yesterday in western Colorado and has prompted evacuations in Garfield County. The 310-acre brush fire is burning just south of I-70, between Parachute and Rulison, and has forced the closure of Highway 6 in the area.
Meanwhile, firefighters are battling several other wildfires across the state:
- The Turner Gulch Fire, started by lightning on July 10th near Gateway in Mesa County, is now listed at over 15,000 acres with 9% containment.
- The nearby Wright Draw Fire has burned 448 acres and is still at 0% containment.
- The Sowbelly Fire, burning across Montrose, Delta, and Mesa counties, has grown to over 2,000 acres.
- The South Rim Fire inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located 9 miles east of Montrose, remains uncontained at over 4,000 acres.
- The Deer Creek Fire, which originated in Utah, has now crossed into Colorado and is burning near Montrose. It is estimated at almost 16,000 acres with 7% containment.
Due to smoke from these wildfires, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Air Quality Alert for affected areas. Moderate to heavy smoke is expected to continue moving through the region. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, especially those with respiratory conditions or other health concerns.
