NEWS
Type 2 team called in for Pine Gulch Fire
8.3.20 at 9:30 am: GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Pine Gulch Fire started as a result of lightning Friday evening, July 31. It is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and private lands approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction in Mesa County, approaching the Garfield County line. The fire has grown to approximately 1,500 acres and is 5% contained.
There are several structures now threatened. As the fire continued actively burning overnight, fire crews conducted burnout operations to remove fuels from the fire’s path. Due to extreme fire behavior and continued growth Sunday, a Type 2 incident command team has been ordered.
Road barricades have been placed around the affected fire area, and numerous public visitors have driven around the closures. The presence of non-fire traffic within the area is a distraction and a hazard to firefighters and members of the public. Sheriff’s deputies will be limiting access to roads in the fire area.
There are 95 firefighting resources currently assigned to the fire, including four engines, two fire modules, two Type 2 hand crews and the Wyoming Hotshot crew, with air support from two helicopters (Type 1 and Type 3), a single engine air tanker, and two large air tankers. The Upper Colorado River Type 3 Team will transfer management of the Pine Gulch Fire to the Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black tomorrow morning. Additional firefighting resources are en route. Participating agencies include Mesa County, De Beque Fire Protection District, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, BLM and Forest Service.
InciWeb: Pine Gulch Fire updates
BLM lands within the Grand Junction Field Office are currently under stage 1 fire restrictions.
Fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in northwest Colorado
Air quality advisory related to regional wildfires
8.4.20 at 9:00 am: – The Pine Gulch Fire in Mesa County has created an air quality advisory for Mesa County and may affect residents in western Garfield County. In addition, InciWeb reports three fires in Rio Blanco County, and three in southern Colorado, and the White River National Forest is monitoring the Smith Fire north of Reudi (below).
Smith Fire north of Ruedi Reservoir
The Smith Fire north of Ruedi Reservoir was mapped Monday at 0.7-acres. Firefighters aided by the heavy helicopter were able to keep the fire from growing Sunday evening. The fire was not active or growing Monday. The cause is under investigation. Fourteen firefighters Monday built containment line around the perimeter and are continuing to strengthen those lines. Firefighters did not use aircraft Monday.
Roaring Fork Fire Rescue was first on the scene Sunday night. (Basalt and Snowmass fire merged awhile back to form Roaring Fork Fire Rescue).
Saturday evening, fourteen firefighters worked the 1.5-acre Smith Fire north of Ruedi Reservoir in the Freeman Creek area. Earlier Saturday evening, a heavy helicopter pulling water from the reservoir helped keep the fire from spreading.
The lightning-ignited fire is burned in grass, brush and aspen on the White River National Forest. No structures are threatened.
Basalt and Rural Fire Protection District firefighters provided the initial response and have since been released. Seven smokejumpers jumped to the fire Saturday evening and seven additional firefighters from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire and Aviation Management Unit hiked to the fire.
Stage 1 fire restrictions
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for unincorporated Garfield County, White River National Forest, BLM lands
COVID-19 outbreaks arise in local faith-based groups
Submit a Business Social Distancing Plan
Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin counties to implement regional testing strategy for COVID-19
COVID-19
Symptoms, testing, data
Health
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Testing
If you have mild COVID symptoms and are able to manage them, you will probably not be tested for COVID at this time. We are reserving our tests for our most critically ill. If you are ill, please help our community by staying at home in self-isolation. Here is our valley’s (Aspen to Parachute) most recent guidance on testing:
Data
Garfield County has data available on cases and symptoms locally, as well as other data points of interest.
Community assistance
Community assistance
The Human Services office in Rifle is open for limited services:
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Monday – Friday
The Human Services office in Glenwood Springs is also open for limited services:
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tuesday – Friday
Call lines are available to assist the community with gaining access to available resources. Call lines operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; call 970-625-5282 or 970-945-9191.
Asistencia de comunidad
La oficina de DHS en Rifle estara abierto para servicios limitados:
9 a.m. a 11 a.m.
Lunes – Viernes
La oficina de DHS en Glenwood Springs estara abierto para servicios limitados:
9 a.m. a 11 a.m.
Martes - Viernes
Líneas disponibles a llamar para asistir a la comunidad para informarles de recursos disponibles. Las líneas operan de Lunes a Viernes de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. Llame al 970-945-9191.
Apply for assistance through our Human Services department
The Department of Human Services has seen a significant decrease in the number of applications that are being accessed at the remote locations. As a result we will be pulling all remote location boxes and applications. Applications for assistance will still be available at our two office locations in Rifle and in Glenwood Springs.
DHS has also seen a significant decrease in the amount of calls coming into our office. As a result we will be limiting phone coverage to business hours. Individuals will still be able to apply for emergency assistance via phone or paper application but please take note of our adjusted arrangements.
A long standing relationship with Colorado Mountain College is being updated and redesigned. GarCo Design Works will be closing and programming is being developed to meet the needs of our changing work force. Garfield County DHS appreciates the long standing relationship with Colorado Mountain College and looks forward to modernizing the workforce training they provide our clients.
Businesses & employees
Economic assistance
Information for businesses and employees, or recently unemployed workers, experiencing economic distress due to the spread of COVID-19.
Mental health
Mental health resources - COVID-19
Local crisis services
We'd like to help
We are all dealing with the difficulties and disruptions of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reality of this illness is frightening, but the good news is we are all in this together. People from across the world are demonstrating immense courage and compassion during this crisis, and are helping one another to remain safe. It’s natural to be afraid, upset or depressed during times like these, and there are numerous resources for anyone feeling down that would like someone to talk to. An understanding and caring ear is just a phone call away. Reach out now to talk.
Colorado crisis services
We provide free, confidential, professional and immediate support for any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, 24/7/365.
Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 to speak to a trained professional.
Safer at Home order
STANDING PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER IMPLEMENTING VARIANCE FROM COLORADO PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 20-28, AND SETTING STANDARDS FOR RESTAURANTS, PLACES OF WORSHIP, FITNESS FACILITIES AND GYMS, RECREATION, AND OUTFITTERS IN GARFIELD COUNTY
Effective Date: May 24, 2020
Full Garfield County Public Health Order | el Condado de Garfield variación en español
Garfield County Sheriff's Office press release
Garfield County enacts extended emergency declaration
It is hereby determined and declared that the presence of the COVID-19 virus within Garfield County constitutes and continues to be a local disaster emergency that warrants the mobilization of emergency response and the furnishing of aid and assistance.
The continuation of the declaration of local disaster emergency is necessary for the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the County of Garfield, State of Colorado.
This continuation of the declaration of local disaster emergency shall be promptly filed with the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder and with the Colorado Office of Emergency Management and given prompt and general publicity.
The declaration of local disaster emergency shall remain in effect for the duration of the CDPHE Order on Social Distancing, as amended, or further action by the board.
Contact information
Local/regional
Symptoms/concerns: 970-625-5200 and 970-945-6614 English/Español
Local volunteer opportunities: 970-456-2804
Emergency assistance: 970-625-5282 or 970-945-9191
Facebook: @garfieldhealth
Subscribe for updates: www.garfieldcounty.net
Email Public Health: publichealthinfo@garfield-county.com
Register for emergency notifications www.garco911.com
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Statewide help
Colorado Department of Health and Environment
Media line (for media only): 303-900-2849
Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer for Medical and Public Health Professionals - register to volunteer
Help Colorado Now - statewide volunteers only
If you have symptoms and think you have been exposed, call a health care provider.
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2-1-1 Colorado
2-1-1 is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state.
2-1-1 Live chat Dial 211 or (866) 760-6489 Text your ZIP CODE to 898-211
Mask Up and Do MORE in Garfield County
County continues to connect public with needed services
Human Services Commission grants available
Garfield County offices and departments still closed to public
Silt receives CDOT Revitalizing Main Street grant
Residents asked to beware of mysterious seed packets
County approves additional $500,000 to address limestone extraction matters
Fill out your census form today
The 2020 U.S. Census is underway and forms can be filled out online, by phone or mail. April 1 is Census Day and all residents are asked to complete their census form. Each person that completes the census form equates to $2,300 per year in federal funding for the area. All people living in a household should be counted in the census, including children, other family members and even renters. Your census information is secure and citizenship information is not collected.
Census information-|
Census questions you’ll be asked-|
Work as a census taker-|
En Español-|
Aspen to Parachute census information-|
Postcard reminders coming to P.O. boxes
Between June 24 and July 3, the U.S. Census Bureau is mailing roughly 1.3 million postcard reminders to residents that receive their mail at a P.O. box. People residing the in U.S. still have time to fill out their census forms online or by phone.
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County Profile cover image: © David Clifford Photography