Wildfire Update: Monday, August 24, 2020

Fire officials are reporting slower growth and some progress containing several of the wildfires burning in the state.  

Four major wildfires continue to burn across Colorado, with much of the state blanketed in hazy smoke.     

The second-largest fire in Colorado’s history, The Pine Gulch Fire burning north of Grand Junction, has grown to 130,000 acres but is now 44 percent contained.   

The Grizzly Creek Fire is just over 30,000 acres with 31 percent containment. 

Interstate 70 has reopened between Glenwood Springs and Gypsom.  The interstate has been closed since August 10th due to activity associated with the Grizzly Creek Fire. 

That should ease the recent heavy traffic in our area as U.S. 24, 285 and Highway 50 were being used as a detour.   

The Cameron Peak Fire is burning in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest near Cameron Pass is listed today at 18,000 acres with no containment.   

The Williams Fork Fire in Grand County northwest of Fraser, CO., has grown to over 11,000 acres with only 3 percent containment.   

A new wildfire about 150 acres in size in Park County prompted the evacuation of two nearby subdivisions yesterday afternoon.   

The Thorpe Fire is burning off Forest Service Road 230 and Park County Road 31 west of Lake George about 2 miles southwest of Tarryall.  

Two subdivisions in the Weber Park area were evacuated.  The Lake George Community Center has opened as an evacuation information center.    

Several smaller fires are also burning in the state.   

Hazy and smoky conditions continue in our area. 

The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert.  

Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place, depending on where you are.   

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit all open flames, including any type of open burning, fireworks, exploding targets and charcoal grills. Gas grills are allowed as long as the flame can be shut off with a valve.   

Dan R
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