MEEKER | The Hunt Fire, burning about 26 miles southwest of Meeker, grew from less than 5 acres early Friday to more than 1,000 acres.
The lightning-caused fire ignited in thick brush and downed trees where it was unsafe for firefighters to directly engage the fire in an area unsafe for firefighters to access.
Firefighters are focusing efforts on where they can safely and effectively engage the fire. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from reaching several structures on private property this afternoon, and no structures are immediately threatened.
Tonight two heavy helicopters are working the fire with several engines from BLM and local cooperators. Additional resources will arrive tonight and tomorrow.
The fire is burning on Bureau of Land Management-administered public land.
Firefighters and the Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office are asking the public to stay away from the area, which includes Hunter Creek, Willow Creek, and Big Jimmy Gulch.
For the latest information about the Hunt Fire, visit the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Facebook Page, @RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice.
Prayers for ALL FIREFIGHTERS
Thank you for the update…explains the ash on the cars. Lifting firefighters in prayer. <3
Cyrus Symonds