RULISON, Colo. — A wildfire that broke out Thursday has scorched over 375 acres in Garfield County, destroying a home and an RV, according to the sheriff’s office Friday morning.
Deputies were called to the scene just before 3 p.m. Thursday after the blaze, now named the Hilltop Fire, ignited near Rulison. Intense heat and strong winds fueled the fire’s rapid spread.
Colorado River Fire & Rescue quickly responded to the blaze, joined by several local agencies including Grand Valley Fire and the Northwest Interagency Fire Management Team. Authorities evacuated about 20 to 25 homes near County Road 309 and County Road 320, while others were placed on pre-evacuation notice as the fire advanced east and south.
Aerial crews were deployed to help contain the fire. By around 9 p.m., the fire had burned approximately 375 acres and was 5% contained. Cooler overnight temperatures and calmer winds aided firefighting efforts, and more updates were expected Friday.
Evacuations stayed in effect through Thursday night. Fire crews and deputies remained on site to manage access and escort residents in and out of the evacuated zones. Evacuated individuals were directed to the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle or the Parachute Rodeo Grounds, where they could receive help for themselves, their livestock, and pets.