CARBONDALE, Colo. — A fast-moving wildfire near Carbondale in western Colorado has prompted mandatory evacuation orders, with fire crews scrambling to protect homes as the blaze continues to burn.
Named the “Ranch at Coulter Creek Fire,” the wildfire ignited Sunday morning and rapidly spread north of Panorama Drive, below the Ranch at Coulter Creek subdivision. As of 3 p.m., the fire had scorched up to 80 acres, threatening homes in the area.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for:
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The Panorama subdivision
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Areas east of County Road 100 to Upper Cattle Creek Road
Authorities are urging the public to avoid County Roads 100, 113, 115, and the Missouri Heights area, to keep access clear for emergency crews.
According to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, firefighters arrived around 11:04 a.m. and found the fire actively burning through grass, pinyon, juniper, and sage at a rapid pace. Ground crews quickly began suppression efforts, with aerial support assisting throughout the day.
“The rate of spread has slowed due to coordinated efforts by ground crews and aerial resources,” officials noted, though the fire remains uncontained.
No structural damage has been reported yet, but evacuations remain in effect. Evacuees are being directed to Roaring Fork High School, and those needing to move livestock can contact Alpine Equine Hospital at 970-366-1320.
Additional Wildfires in Western Colorado
The Ranch at Coulter Creek Fire adds to a growing list of wildfires across western Colorado and nearby Utah, many of which were sparked by lightning over three weeks ago and have now consumed over 46,000 acres.
Elk Fire Update (Meeker, CO):
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Location: Southeast of Meeker, off Rio Blanco County Road 8
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Size: Estimated 600 acres
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Evacuations: Homes between mile markers 11 (County Road 57/Miller Creek) and 16
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Declared Emergency: Governor Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on Sunday to accelerate response efforts.
Despite the ongoing threat, fire officials report slower growth in most active fires, thanks to relentless work from suppression crews and improved weather conditions.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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