Fire burning near Rangely

RANGELY I The Big Ridge Fire was reported Monday at 5:30 p.m. The fire is located six miles southeast of Rangely on Bureau of Land Management public land and estimated to be 37 acres. Rangely Rural Fire Protection District initially responded to the lightning-caused incident but was unable to find access to the fire. Assigned to fight the fire are two 20-person hot shot crews and one helicopter. The helicopter is dipping out of Kenney Reservoir and using the water to douse hot spots and other areas around the fire. The public is asked to avoid the dip site area for safety reasons. No structures are immediately threatened.
Fire danger is very high to extreme in all areas of northwest Colorado. Some recent incidents have been human caused related to unattended campfires and sparks from equipment or vehicles.
“It’s very dry out there and vegetation is ready to burn,” said Mark Rogers, Northwest Colorado Fire Management officer. “The potential for rapid fire growth is extremely high.”
No fire restrictions are in effect.