This is a developing story and will be updated.
Update Monday, July 27. Key Message: The fire is now 95% contained. Command will be transferred to a local Type 4 organization tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Update Friday, July 24. The fire is now 69% contained.
Update Thursday, July 23, 12:45 p.m. The PIO team confirmed the IMT will be changing locations to accommodate upcoming Fair activities.
Update Thursday, July 23, 11:15 a.m. The Type 3 Team has assumed command of this incident. According to today’s update, crews are building and scouting containment lines along several sections of the fire, including areas near rural homes, ranches and energy infrastructure. No evacuations are in place, and no lives or structures are currently threatened. Moderate fire behavior is expected, though torching and spotting remain possible.
You can follow the official Keystone Fire Information Page on Facebook.
Update Wednesday, July 22, 1:46 p.m. The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office has announced a Type 3 Incident Management Team is incoming and will assume command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. The fire is approximately 3,024 acres. No containment reported.
The Sheriff’s Office stated, “The South Zone Fire Crew based in Meeker with the United States Wildland Fire Service, and Meeker Fire and Rescue have played critical roles in the initial response and continued suppression efforts on the Keystone Fire. Crews have worked diligently through challenging terrain, heavy fuels, and changing weather conditions. Their dedication, teamwork, and continued efforts have been essential throughout the incident.”
Original Report:
The Keystone Fire was reported Tuesday, July 21 and is burning approximately 20 miles northwest of Meeker near County Road 71 on the Moffat/Rio Blanco County border.
As of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the fire was estimated at 1,500 acres. Storm cells passing through the area have challenged firefighters with erratic winds and suspension of air support due to conditions.
Source: Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Per the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, no structures are threatened.
The Keystone Fire is one of numerous starts caused by lightning as weather patterns have shifted. Wednesday’s weather calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms in the area, and a flood watch has been issued for the entire Western slope by the National Weather Service.
What you can do:
Live Wildfire Ready suggests the following preparation steps:
- Make an evacuation plan with Ready, Set, Go! for people and pets.
- Prepare a go-bag and disaster supplies kit with Ready, Set, Go!
- Sign up for emergency notifications from your local office of emergency management (Rio Blanco Alerts).
- Ensure home address signs are visible from the street.
- Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood and a safe place for you to go.
- Practice evacuating your home with your family and pets.
- Create a family emergency communication plan.