An increase in moisture over the fire area, 31 miles south of Rangely, gives firefighters a small window of opportunity to work closer to the fire’s edge. Conditions are expected to dry out again Saturday. The fire is estimated at 5,766 acres. There are 476 personnel working on this fire.
Secondary containment lines have been prepared around much of the fire area in preparation for possible burnout operations should the need arise. Local law enforcement agencies, as well as oil and gas operators, have been supportive with evacuations, area closures, and securing and marking wellheads and pipelines.
Area Closure: The Bureau of Land Management issued an area closure for the Red Canyon fire area for firefighter and public safety:
- Northern border: State Highway (SH) 139/County Road (CR) 27 junction to CR27/CR28 junction
- Eastern closure: CR28/CR257 junction to CR256/CR257 junction
- Southern closure: CR256/CR257 to SH139
- Western closure: CR256/SH139 junction to SH139/CR27