Western Slope CO. wildfires and closures

[Olsolitaire1]

Just an FYI for those heading to these parts soon about our fires, fire bans and closures. It's been a very hot, dry and windy summer here and several fires are burning the air is smokey. Here are some links so you can keep an eye on things yourself. Please be very careful where you park vehicles, smoking and even your trailer chains dragging (couple of years ago almost lost some homes a couple of miles from me because of chains dragging) I been noticing FS up on the Grand Mesa more than ever and I still see idiots with campfires, even if its Sage 1, still do you need them. Please be mindful of our home state.

BLM Colorado closes public lands in Mesa County due to active fire | Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management announces an immediate temporary closure of certain public lands in Mesa County because of fire activity in the area. The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Turner Gulch Fire is declared controlled or until this order is rescinded.

www.blm.gov

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests : Alert - Turner Gulch Wildfire Area Closure Order

(July 18, 2025) The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests announce an expansion to the forest closure area at the northern end of the Uncompahgre Plateau, south of Highway 141 and Unaweep Canyon, and northeast of Gateway, Colorado, in Mesa County, to protect public safety...

www.fs.usda.gov

I like this link: https://www.mapofire.com/#9.13/38.7526/-108.8407

| InciWeb

Incidents Page of for the Inciweb site.

inciweb.wildfire.gov

ArcGIS Dashboards

ArcGIS Dashboards

nifc.maps.arcgis.com

Programs: Fire and Aviation: Colorado: Upper Colorado River District Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management

Upper Colorado River District Fire RestrictionsFire management in Colorado is an interagency partnership among federal, state and local entities. BLM-managed lands within Colorado are broken into four Interagency Fire Management Units: Northwest Colorado Fire Unit in Craig, Upper Colorado River...

www.blm.gov

 

[RancherJohn]

Just bumping this again, Lee Fire hit 45,000 acres this morning and the Elk RBX Fire is at 15,000 (both lightning starts from Saturday). Lots of good country burning, and lots of good people having their lives upended.

Please be careful as you set up camp, both in where you go and what you're doing. The entire west has been dry this year, and our worst fires have made huge runs late into the fall in years past.

If anyone in the Meeker area needs anything please reach out via PM. I have room/grass/hay for animals, and can help move them too if needed.

 

[highcountrymuley]

I've been working in Phippsburg and Yampa east of Meeker this week and the smoke and ash is nasty. No relief in sight. Be careful out there and secure your trailer chains! A bungee cord will keep them off the road and won't interfere if their safety is required

 

[Olsolitaire1]

That Lee fire is getting big with no containment yet.

The Turner Fire over on the Uncompahgre is being held at 49%, they can't seem to get past that. Almost every afternoon the winds pick up again. 6% humidity and no rain in site..

 

[butcherboy]

Lots of smoke in the morning clear down here at my house in northern NM. Could be from the fire over by Pagosa though. Have had a lot of smoke go through from UT and AZ as well.

 

[Phaseolus]

we had very thick smoke roll into Palisade about 8PM tonight. I could see it coming down Debeque
Canyon and then onto us. Very amazing to watch although it sucks.

 

[RancherJohn]

Yesterday was getting our cows out from in front of a fire. Today we work on building firebreaks to for property and structure protection.

Please cross even the idea of a campfire off your wish list for this year until we get some rain. And pray that our winds stay favorable.

 

[Olsolitaire1]

Yep, praying for rain and for these winds to die down. Best of luck to you and your neighbor's up there.

Last night the smoke was thick with ash here in Whitewater, the moon was a eerie blood red.

 

[Gman12]

Any news on the Lee fire? I will be heading very close to that area in 3 weeks (hopefully).

 

[Olsolitaire1]

Here is the link on current conditions, not good, only 4 % contained , this site updates more often.

Wildfire Map: Track Live Fires, Smoke, & Lightning | Map of Fire

Track wildfires & smoke across the US. Monitor fire spread, intensity, and lightning strikes. Stay informed with real-time updates on Map of Fire.

www.mapofire.com

 

[cnelk]

Inciweb - to keep up with fire progress

Home | InciWeb

Homepage for Inciweb

inciweb.wildfire.gov

 

[RancherJohn]

Any news on the Lee fire? I will be heading very close to that area in 3 weeks (hopefully).

Watch Duty app has had the best updates we have found so far. Inciweb has been slower by almost a day this year vs years past.

 

[Gman12]

Watch Duty app has had the best updates we have found so far. Inciweb has been slower by almost a day this year vs years past.

I just downloaded the app. Praying for those who live in the area and for the firefighters as well!
Thanks!

 

[Olsolitaire1]

I stopped using Inciweb this year due to the lack of accurate update information.

 

[svivian]

This has been my favorite to use and I believe is where ONX gets their live fire data

AirNow Fire and Smoke Map

This map shows fine particle pollution (PM2.5) from wildfires and other sources. It provides a public resource of information to best prepare and manage wildfire season. Developed in a joint partnership between the EPA and USFS.

fire.airnow.gov

 

[Max2491]

The stoner fire has ruined where I’ve hunted for the last few years.

 

[RancherJohn]

There's a lot more that could be said; but I'll leave it at this: There is nothing more valuable in this world than family, friends, and your community. Invest in them and it will pay untold dividends.

Anyone in NW CO that needs help with anything related to the fires please PM me and I will do what I can; from animals to lodging we can help.