Authorities say risk of wildfires ‘high to very high’ in county

RBC | In Rio Blanco and Moffat counties, fire danger is holding at high to very high. An abundant amount of grasses are cured and vegetation is going into the dormant stage in some areas, leaving dead foliage with no moisture.
“Even though we experienced a decent amount rain over northwest Colorado earlier this summer, the current state of the vegetation combined with windy, dry days has put us back in the ‘high to very high’ fire danger category,” said Garner Harris, zone fire management officer with the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit. “The potential for large fire growth is here.”
Meeker Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Rangely Rural Fire Protection District, and Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office have been responding to numerous wildland fires on private land. Some of the fires have been the result of sparks from mechanical equipment or an ATV.
“We are asking everyone to use extreme caution with all fire, and any burning that can be postponed until fire danger conditions improve should be postponed,” said Rio Blanco County Sheriff Si Woodruff.
Lynn Barclay, fire mitigation/education specialist, said, “The rain that fell over the weekend was intermittent, not all areas received measurable precipitation. There were two small fires south of Rangely (Sunday). They’re contained, but the vegetation is dry and grass and brush are ready to burn. We’re supposed to be under a dry air mass this week, so things will dry out again.”
To report a wildland fire, call 878-9620 or 911 and be prepared to give your location and the location of the reported fire.