Two wildfires break out near Utah-Colorado border, more across the Western Slope
Editor's note: Sunday updates on the combined Snyder Fire at the Utah-Colorado border are available here. Updates on the combined Ferris Fire and the Doe Canyon Fire in southwest Colorado are available here. Information on the Gold Mountain Fire and the state of emergency issued in Ouray County is here.
Two new wildfires have broken out in Utah, this time next to the border with Colorado. One of those fires has prompted officials to issue a pre-evacuation notice to nearby residents.
Another fire has also sparked in Redrock Canyon, northeast of Grand Junction, as well as one north of Ouray and three more in the San Juan National Forest. Evacuations are also underway for residents near one of the fires in southwest Colorado and the fire near Ouray.
Snyder Mesa Fire
The Jones Fire and Snyder Mesa Fire are burning just south of the Colorado River and have spread into Colorado, according to the Moab Valley Fire Department.
On Saturday evening, officials announced that the Snyder Mesa Fire and the Jones Fire had merged. They have burned approximately 28,264 acres.
Jones Fire - evacuations underway
The Jones Canyon fire was reported at 20 acres on Saturday morning, but has continued to grow. On Saturday evening, officials announced that the Snyder Mesa Fire and the Jones Fire had merged. They have burned approximately 28,264 acres.
A pre-evacuation notice has been issued to some areas of western Mesa County, including all properties on BS Road west of 11 5/10 Road to the Utah border. That notice was later expanded to cover 11 5/10 Road to now 16 ½ Road, on BS Road west to Utah. Deputies are going door to door to notify residents.
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office says anyone who needs help sheltering large animals should contact Mesa County Fairground Manager Kyle Carstens at (970) 773-1621.
Authorities have also closed A 2/10 Road at DS Road and BS Road to the BLM boundary.
The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit says these are just two of eight fires started by lightning strikes on Bureau of Land Management lands over the last 24 hours. They said multiple resources, including aircraft, are working to bring the wildfires under control.
Winds are pushing smoke from the fires into the Lower Valley Fire District's area. They posted a notice on Saturday afternoon about thick smoke moving into the areas around Fruita, Loma, and Mack and advised those with a recirculate setting on their air conditioners to use them.
Mesa County Public Health advised residents to avoid outdoor activity when smoke is heavy and to wear an N95 mask or respirator if being outside is necessary. They also asked that residents limit swamp cooler use.
Red Rock Fire
Another fire began near Redrock Canyon, 12 miles northeast of Grand Junction, on Saturday morning and has grown to approximately 33 acres so far, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. They said the Red Rock Fire is also burning on BLM lands.
The fire management unit urged people in the area to avoid any activities that could cause a spark, stating, "Engines, crews, and aircraft are actively engaged in suppression efforts on all incidents. Please stay vigilant and avoid any activities that could add to the problem. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels."
Far Draw Fire
Two fires are also burning in southwest Colorado.
The Far Draw Fire is located northeast of Cahone and has burned approximately 650 acres.
Ferris Fire - evacuations underway
Another fire farther south has burned approximately 4,776 acres and prompted officials to issue an evacuation order for residents on Lone Dome Road and 521 Road up to McPhee Dam, and for everyone at the Bradfield Campground. Late Saturday night, an evacuation order was issued for the Glade Ranch subdivision.
Evacuees are welcome at the Pleasant View Fire Station located at 15235 Road CC.
Officials say the fire is in the canyon north of Road D, and access to the area is closed. They have closed Bradfield Bridge Campground, NFSR 504 south to the base of McPhee Dam, NFSR 521 and NFSR 504.
Montezuma County officials say all air support has been grounded due to the wind.
Doe Canyon Fire
The Doe Canyon Fire is burning west of the Far Draw Fire, north of Doe Springs A Road. It's currently estimated to have covered 384 acres.
Gold Mountain Fire - evacuations underway
Hwy 550 between Ouray and Whispering Pines has been closed due to a growing wildfire north of Ouray. According to the Ouray County Sheriff's Office, the fire is burning below the Gold Mountain Ranch and near the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour area, off of County Road 14.
A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for residents in the Peck's Trailer Park and Red Stone Road areas. The sheriff's office said residents in those areas need to leave immediately. An evacuation center has been set up at the Ridgway Secondary School located at 1200 Green St, Ridgway, Colo.
The NIFC estimates the Gold Mountain Fire to be approximately 1 acre.
