Pine Gulch Fire Burns 1,500+ Acres Near Grand Junction
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP/CBS4) — A wildfire burning mostly federal land 18 miles north of Grand Junction was caused by a lightning strike, officials said. The Pine Gulch Fire is now 1,500 acres and 5% contained.
The fire started on Friday. Nearly 100 firefighter, including a hot shot crew from Wyoming, are on the fire line.
No structures are expected to be threatened, officials said, but air quality in the area has worsened. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory for northern Mesa County until Monday morning.
Dense, dried debris across the rugged terrain helped fuel the fire's rapid growth, officials said.
Helicopters, air tankers, local ground crews and fire engines are among the resources being deployed to fight the fire.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)