I-70 is closed at mile-marker 114 and 109 in both directions, West Glenwood Springs to South Canyon due to a fire. Water lifts over the Highway necessitates the closure of I-70. Congestion is expected in Glenwood Springs.
Glenwood Springs, Colo – Today at 2:32 p.m., Glenwood Springs Fire Department was called to a wildland fire on I-70, north of mile marker 111.
Upon arrival, about half an acre was burning with construction crews attempting to fight the fire. The fire spread quickly, growing to approximately 15 acres in a short amount of time. The fire is burning in pinion and juniper on steep areas of BLM land. The latest size of the fire was estimated to be 35 – 40 acres.
I-70 is expected to be closed in both directions for quite a while. River enthusiasts are asked to stay out of the Colorado River in the fire area so that air support can continue. WESTBOUND traffic on I-70 is closed from Dotsero (exit 133) until Mile Point 109 (west of Glenwood Springs). EASTBOUND traffic is closed from MP 109 - 114 (Glenwood Springs). Motorists traveling from the Roaring Fork Valley or Glenwood can access eastbound I-70 towards Glenwood Canyon and beyond. Please note that westbound traffic from Eagle County should NOT detour into Gypsum/Cottonwood Pass Road. Cottonwood Pass Rd is not recommended or accessible due to paving operations on Valley Road and utility work on Cottonwood Pass Rd.
Pre-evacuation orders were sent to residences in the Ami’s Acres area, though no homes have been evacuated at this time.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department and Upper Colorado River Interagency are commanding the incident. Interagency will be taking command of the fire. Two helicopters and a small engine air tanker are fighting this fire. Mutual aid from Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Garfield County Sheriff and Colorado River Fire Rescue are also responding to this incident.
Incident Commander Harlan Nimmo said, “We are grateful we were able to get a fast response to the fire. We thank our neighboring fire agencies for their quick response. We know closing I-70 is an inconvenience and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”
There have been no injuries or loss of property reported at this time.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Information will be posted on Glenwood Springs Fire Department’s Facebook page. Press releases will go out as needed.
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