Pine Gulch Fire Now 3rd Largest in Colorado History
The fire was started due to a lightning strike that took place around 5:15 p.m. on Friday, July 31st and it hasn't stopped growing since. The Pine Gulch Fire is burning roughly 18 miles north of Grand Junction and is now the third-largest wildfire in Colorado history.
The last update on the Pine Gulch Fire Facebook page reports that the fire has now burned over 87,778 acres with containment still at only 7%. The only other fires that have been larger than this one was the Spring Creek Fire in 2018 that burned 108,045 acres and the Hayman Fire in 2002 that burned 137,760 acres.
Firefighters have been working hard to try to contain the Pine Gulch Fire but unfortunately, weather has been difficult with very hot and dry conditions making it very easy for the fire to continue to spread. Also, the terrain in which the fire is located makes it difficult for crews to battle the blaze.
The good news is that some evacuations that were in place in Garfield County were lifted Tuesday night for some residents in northwest DeBeque.
Fire officials say there is a herd of about 160 wild horses living in a 36,000-acre area that is 8 miles south of the fire. As of now, the fire isn't threatening the animals but it is something they are going to keep an eye on as the fire continues to burn.
There are nearly 900 people working to contain the Pine Gulch Fire currently. And we are thinking of each and every one of them as they continue to try to keep us safe.