Dry Conditions Spark Extra Fire Patrols in Western Colorado

As dry weather persists, Delta County Emergency Manager Kris Stewart is urging residents to stay alert as Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across much of Western Colorado. In response to growing wildfire risks, officials have launched additional fire patrols throughout the region.

In an interview with KVNF, Stewart explained that the announcement was made on the Delta County Emergency Management Facebook page on July 13, 2025, due to strained resources in the Montrose Interagency Dispatch Zone, where multiple fires are already being managed.

The newly formed surge strike task force, made up of State, BLM, and Forest Service crews, is now patrolling areas including:

Grand Mesa
Paonia and McClure Pass
County Route 2 and Hwy 65
The Kebler area
Crawford and other remote fire-prone locations

These patrols are designed to detect lightning strikes and start quick initial attacks on any new fires before they spread.

“The last thing we need is another several-thousand-acre wildfire burning in Delta County,” Stewart said.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Delta County Alerts on Facebook and checking the Delta County website for wildfire updates and emergency links.

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