Watch CBS News

New Pre-Evacuation Orders Announced At Pine Gulch Fire

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4) - New pre-evacuation orders were ordered for the Pine Gulch Fire on Tuesday. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office says it notified residents in the areas of County Road 205, Kimball Mountain Road and CR 256 in between Kimball Mountain road and Browns Point.

Fire officials at the Pine Gulch Fire near Grand Junction say fuel is nearly as dry as a piece of paper. Fire behavior specialists measure moisture levels in fuels and found they are at 8% moisture content. A piece of paper is around 6%.

pine gulch fire 1 (inciweb)
(credit: Inciweb)

The fire has burned more than 86,200 acres and remains 7% contained.

Relative humidity ranged between 9% and 11%. Crews saw wind speeds at around 9 mph and gusts around 15 mph.

pine gulch fire 2 (inciweb)
(credit: Inciweb)

More than 800 people are helping fight the fire. Lightning started the fire on July 15.

RELATED: Governor Announces 30-Day Ban On Open Fires Across Colorado

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.