Ward Gulch Fire, Approximately 3 Miles North of Rifle Gap

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Ward Gulch Fire

Contacts:   Lee Ann Loupe, Fire Information Officer, 970.874.6717 (business hours); cell: 970.596.0246 (after hours & weekends).

MEDIA Information line: 970.244.3104

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grand Junction, Colo. (June 14, 2013, 7 p.m.- The Ward Gulch Fire is located approximately 3 miles north of Rifle Gap Reservoir. The fire is thought to be caused by lightning that moved through the area last night. Estimated to be 100+ acres in size and rapidly growing, it is burning in grass, sage and juniper and has threatened structures near the Fish Hatchery and Rifle Mountain Park. A type III incident management team will take over the fire this evening or early Saturday.

A very large airtanker (VLAT) was ordered out of Pueblo to assist in suppression efforts. Meanwhile, three single engine airtankers (SEATs) worked the fire this afternoon, dropping retardant to protect key resources (structures) and to attempt to slow the growth. Two heavy air tankers and a type II helicopter also worked the fire today. Three engines, several overhead and chase crews out of the Upper Colorado Interagency Fire Management Unit are on scene and 3 type II crews, each comprised of 20 firefighters were ordered to the fire. Additionally, the Juniper Valley regular and trails crew, providing an additional 30 firefighters are on the fire. Resources from Colorado River Fire Rescue are also on scene.

Citizens are encouraged to avoid the area for personal safety as well as for the safety of the firefighters and fire resources. Highway 325 has been closed in both directions 7 miles north of Rifle, due to wildfire in the area with no estimated time of opening.

Firefighters continued to work on the Beaver Creek fire throughout the day. Reports from the fire indicate that there was very little fire and smoke today and efforts concentrated on putting out hot areas and strengthening containment lines. Meanwhile, because of the lightning that moved through the area yesterday, Upper Colorado River fire resources have been busy responding to smoke reports today as temperatures increased.

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