Western Slope on Edge as Multiple Colorado Wildfires Surge

On Friday, June 26, it rained in Grand Junction for the first time since May 19. That's 38 days without moisture. By the following morning, the Bureau of Land Management had confirmed as many as eight wildfires burning in Mesa County.

Lightning strikes began two major fires in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, along with several smaller fires. Further south, lightning strikes have also set fire to Gold Mountain outside of Ouray, making this a trying weekend for Western Slope firefighters.

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Snyder Mesa Fire Near Fruita, Colorado

Western Slope on Edge as Multiple Colorado Wildfires Surge

Read More: What Colorado's Fire Restriction Stages Really Mean

As of June 28, the Snyder Mesa Fire has grown to become the largest active wildfire on Colorado’s Western Slope. This is the result of several smaller fires merging near the Utah-Colorado border west of Fruita. On Sunday morning, the fire was estimated at over 28,000 acres with 0% containment. Those figures will change throughout the day and are updated here by Watch Duty. Officials requested multiple large tankers via Air Attack on Sunday morning to support firefighters on the ground.

Fatal Fireline Incident Claims Three Firefighters

Three wildland firefighters have died fighting the fire, and two more have been injured. AP News reports the firefighters were part of an interagency response and worked for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Their identities were not released to the public over the weekend. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Evacuations Expand as State Emergency Is Declared

Saturday’s smaller fires have since been overtaken by the Snyder Mesa fire, all burning west of Fruita, near Glade Park. The fire started in rugged canyon country in Utah, crossing into Colorado on Saturday morning. Pre-evacuation notices are in place for parts of Mesa County, as Governor Polis has declared a disaster emergency and has deployed the Colorado National Guard.

Gold Mountain Fire Prompts Evacuations Near Ouray

Read More: Colorado's Highways Are a Bigger Fire Threat Than You Think

Ouray County's Gold Mountain fire is burning on the slopes of Gold Mountain north of the city of Ouray. The fire is burning near Gold Mountain Ranch and the Bachelor Syracuse Mine. If you have ever driven down U.S. 550 to Ouray, you’ll know the large American flag flying over Weber Ranch. Gold Mountain is just across the highway from that area, near the “Welcome to Ouray” sign. Mandatory evacuations, pre-evacuation notices, and temporary closures of U.S. 550 have been issued. Details can be found here.