NEWS
Brisa Chavez, Community Empowerment Award
2020 Humanitarian Awards
Four locals won the Humanitarian Awards Monday evening for their commitment to the community. All of them were very moved by receiving the awards.
Marlene Manown
Rockstar Award
Mary Lee Mohrlang
Talk of the Town Award
Sarah Fedishen
Building Bridges Award
Brisa Chavez
Community Empowerment Award
National Weather Service
Follow the National Weather Service for up-to-date info on weather watches, warnings and advisories, specifically when living or traveling in the areas of the Grizzly Creek Fire and the Pine Gulch Fire. View info on the flash floods tab below to prepare for flash floods.Grizzly Creek Fire weather at No Name Tunnel
Pine Gulch Fire weather at De Beque
Flash flood preparedness
CDOT: Preparing travelers for I-70 in Glenwood Canyon (fall 2020)
Motorists should prepare for reduced speeds, no stopping in the canyon and safety closures due to debris flow and other weather-related events. CDOT also urges travelers to stay focused on the road and avoid distracted driving. If there is moderate, heavy or extreme rain in Glenwood Canyon over the Grizzly Creek burn scar, it is very likely there will be a debris flow, mudslides or rockfall. In order to maintain safety on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, CDOT has a plan in place for protecting the traveling public when there could be a debris flow, mudslides or rockfall. View info on the flash floods tab below to prepare for flash floods.Safety closures and how to plan ahead
CDOT: Preparando a los viajeros para I-70 en Glenwood Canyon (otoño 2020)
Cierres por seguridad y cómo planificar
On a mobile device, please scroll down to view info:
- Grizzly Creek Fire
- Pine Gulch Fire
- Evacuations
- Travel routes
- Flash floods
- Air quality
- Fire restrictions
- Assistance
Grizzly Creek Fire
Firefighters get first-hand look at hot spots in Grizzly Creek drainage
September 16, 2020 updateFire Situation:
Grizzly Creek Fire – 32,431 acres
Start Date: August 10
Cause: Human
Location: Glenwood Canyon
Maps of fire
Containment: 91%
Resources: Total Personnel: 86
(EAGLE, Colo.) – Today, firefighters will continue to monitor Grizzly and No Name creeks for smokes and will take action if needed. A helicopter did make a couple of bucket drops in Grizzly Creek yesterday to help with smokes that were popping up. No fire growth or other concerns. The fire remains 32,341 acres and 91 percent contained. Firefighters expect some activity as conditions warm, particularly in areas within the fire perimeter that have not burned yet. Suppression repair continues on Transfer Trail. The local Type 3 team transfers to a local Type 4 team tomorrow, reflecting that fewer resources are now on the fire as progress continues.
The Grizzly Creek Fire remains at 32,431 acres, and is 91% contained, with 86 people working on the fire.
The BLM and Forest closures that include the area south of Coffee Pot Road are still in place. A map of the closures is available on Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/.
The BLM boat launch at Dotsero Landing will also open Saturday for take-out only. Lyon’s Gulch and Cottonwood Landing above Dotsero remain open for put-in and take-out. The Colorado River recreation areas from Dotsero through Glenwood Canyon to No Name remain closed.
Meanwhile, the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is continuing its assessment of the fire.
The BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and the White River National Forest remain under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit all campfires and charcoal, even in developed areas. For more information, go to www.blm.gov or www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver.
Closure order-|
Closure order map-|
Forest Order-|
(TFR) is in place over the fire. Visit https://tfr.faa.gov
Smoke outlook: Map
Evacuations: Register at garco911.com to get emergency alerts, view the Garfield County Sheriff's Office facebook page, and subscribe to Garfield County Emergency Management info at garfieldcounty.net.
Fire restrictions: Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place for all jurisdictions.
Official fire information: InciWeb
Grizzly Creek Fire facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GrizzlyCreekFireCO
Fire information/media line: (970) 930-1850
Email: 2020.grizzlycreek@firenet.gov
Emergency alerts: To sign up for emergency alerts in Garfield County, please visit garco911.com
Garfield County Emergency Management: Register at garfieldcounty.net
County declares emergency over wildfires
Garfield County has declared a local disaster emergency over two large wildfires burning in the area, allowing the county to receive federal aid and assistance to combat the blazes. DeclarationPine Gulch Fire
September 11, 2020 updateIncident type: Wildfire
Size: 139,007 acres
Total personnel: 253
Contained: 95%
Location: Approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, CO
Maps of fire
Reported: July 31, approximately 5:15 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Equipment and personnel include: 1 Type 2 hand crew, 3 engines, 1 bulldozer, 2 water tenders and overhead/support personnel
Information center: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Pine Gulch Fire progression map
Special Notes: The Bureau of Land Management has reduced its area closure, opening up access to areas outside the fire perimeter. Areas inside the fire perimeter are still closed. See Closures, below.
This is the last update on the Pine Gulch Fire as the Southern Area Red Team returns management of the incident back to local agencies Saturday morning. Please contact Eric Coulter, 970-628-5622, ecoulter@blm.gov for information after today. The Southern Area Red Team thanks local agencies, communities and landowners for their outstanding support and cooperation in managing the Pine Gulch Fire.
This morning, representatives from the Southern Area Red Team will join the Grand Junction Fire Department in their tradition of honoring first responders around the nation and the lives of firefighters who died responding to the Twin Towers in New York City on 9/11/2001. Fire service crews across Mesa County will hold a silent remembrance along major roadways, displaying the American flag from overpasses and saluting for three minutes and forty-three seconds to honor 343 firefighters who died on 9/11.
Current situation::Another 0.1- 0.2 in inches of rain fell on the Pine Gulch Fire yesterday, again hampering suppression repair efforts due to muddy roads. Continuing repair of areas damaged by firelines will resume when conditions allow. On the west side of the fire, priority areas for remaining suppression repair work are Douglas Pass, including Highway 139, Barrel Springs Road, County Road 256 and East Salt Creek. In the fire’s interior, priority areas are along Lonesome Ridge. Suppression repair is almost complete on the east side of the fire.
A Burned Area Emergency Response Team is using remote sensing and field observations to gather data to evaluate post-fire effects and recommend actions. The team is comprised of various experts in fields such as hydrology, biology, soil science, computer modeling, vegetation management, archaeology and recreation.
Weather forecast & fire behavior: Today will be mostly cloudy as a low pressure system moves out to the east. High temperatures at low elevations will be 62-69 degrees and at high elevations 45-55 degrees. Relative humidity will be 30-55 percent. Winds will be mostly terrain-driven, 4-11 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Drier air will spread across the area today and tomorrow as a ridge of high pressure builds over the Intermountain West. This pattern will promote warmer and drier conditions through the weekend.
Recent wetting rain & snow on the fire have significantly impacted the fire, there are no areas of concern for fire behavior, perimeter growth or fire spread.
Area closures: The Bureau of Land Management area closure has been reduced to lands managed by the agency in the fire perimeter only. Garvey Canyon Road, Coal Gulch Road and 21 Road are open only to the point at which they meet the fire’s edge. Areas beyond them in the fire perimeter are closed. There is no public road access to Barrel Springs Canyon.
For more information, see www.facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire
Open areas:
• County Road 256 east of Douglas Pass
• Coal Canyon
• Southshale Ridge and Corcoran Peak
• Public Lands North of Roan Creek (Garfield County 204)
• Mount Garfield hiking trail to foot travel
• North Fruita Desert (18 Road) campground and bike trails, including the Sarlaac Trail.
• Winter Flats Road, (Mesa County V 2/10 Road)
• Brush Creek and Carr Creek Roads (Garfield County 209 and 207)
The Edge Loop is open to the fire edge, but the Bureau of Land Management recommends users turn around at the mouth of Lippan Wash.
Emergency alerts: For Garfield County, please visit garco911.com. Mesa County alerts, please visit bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.
Air quality: Air Quality Health Advisories may be issued in areas near the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires. A smoke outlook for the Pine Gulch Fire is available where this update is posted and at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. For more information on smoke levels, please visit https://airnow.gov.
Smoke outlook: Outlook map.
Emergency alerts:For Garfield County, please visitgarco911.com. For Mesa County alerts, please visit bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.
A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Pine Gulch Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
InciWeb: Pine Gulch Fire main website page
BLM lands within the Grand Junction Field Office are currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. Fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in northwest Colorado
For more information:
Information office: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Email: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Interactive fire map: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Smoke outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado
Pine Gulch Fire Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER)
BAER stands for Burned Area Emergency Response, a federal program that addresses post fire effects on public lands. Wildfires can cause complex ecological problems, from severe loss of vegetation and soil erosion, to a decrease in water quality, and flash flooding. The BAER program addresses post-fire emergency stabilization of these and other post wildfire problems, in order to protect public safety and prevent further degradation of the landscapes.
The BAER assessment team composition is determined both by the size of the fire and the nature of values potentially threatened by post-fire effects. Generally, specialists in soils, hydrology, geology, engineering, wildlife, botany, and archaeology assess the fire’s effects and predict the post-fire effects. Each resource specialist brings a unique perspective to the BAER process, to help the team rapidly determine whether the post-fire effects constitute urgent threats to human life, safety, property, or critical natural and cultural resources and to produce an integrated plan to respond to those threats.
The objective of the BAER program is to determine the need for and to prescribe and implement emergency treatments on federal lands to minimize threats to life and property resulting from the effects of a fire or to stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources. During the assessment stage, the BAER process may identify values at risk on private of other jurisdiction lands, those issues will be communicated to the cooperators. Severely burned areas, steep slopes, places where water runoff will be excessive, fragile slopes above homes, businesses, municipal water supplies, and other valuable facilities are focus areas.
The BAER Team for the Pine Gulch Fire is currently working with the Fire Management Team, local agencies, has began analyzing data, developing projection models, and will begin working with landowners and stakeholders on findings.
Find more information about BAER teams.
County declares emergency over wildfires
Garfield County has declared a local disaster emergency over two large wildfires burning in the area, allowing the county to receive federal aid and assistance to combat the blazes.Declaration
Garfield County Sheriff’s office: current evacuations and road closures
Most pre-evacuation orders lifted in the Grizzly Creek Fire areaGARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE – Effective at noon Wednesday, September 2 and in collaboration with the Incident Command Team (Alaska Team Incident Management) the evacuation and pre-evacuation orders on the Grizzly Creek Fire have been lifted for all of Lookout Mountain, Spring Valley Ranch, High Aspen, Homestead Estates, Coulter Meadows, Bair Ranch and Crystal River Ranch residents.
Pre-evacuation orders are still in place for the residents of No Name, due primarily to weather concerns for a potential debris flow and associated flooding that might occur.
All road closures have been lifted except for Transfer Trail. This is an area closure by the Forest Service and applies to all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and dirt bikes, as well as pedestrians. Anyone not associated with the Incident Management Team or who is not a first responder found in this area will be subject to appropriate fines and immediate removal. This is still an active fire with only 91% containment. There are 86 people being directed by the Incident Management Team to combat this fire. This requires not only a large number of ground personnel, but also the movement of equipment into and out of the area. Everyone is asked to respect this area closure for the safety of themselves and the men and women combating the Grizzly Creek Fire.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Evacuations: Register at garco911.com to get emergency alerts, view the Garfield County Sheriff's Office facebook page, and subscribe to Garfield County Emergency Management info at garfieldcounty.net.
Do not call dispatch.
Evacuations and road closures in English and Spanish
GRIZZLY CREEK FIRE
________________________________________Map
Map of evacuations and pre-evacuations
Type in your property address, owner name, parcel, account # or subdivision to see if you are in the evacuation or pre-evacuation zone.
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Evacuations
None currently for Grizzly Creek Fire
Pre-evacuations - flooding risks
• No Name
• Bair Ranch
Road closures
• Transfer Trail in the Flat Tops area
COTrip (for information on highway closures)
Comunidades evacuadas:
Ninguno actualmente para Grizzly Creek Fire.
Comunidades en pre-evacuación - riesgos de inundación:
• No Name
• Bair Ranch
Carreteras cerradas:
• Transfer Trail in the Flat Tops area
COTrip (para información sobre el cierre de carreteras)
PINE GULCH FIRE
________________________________________Map
Map of evacuations and pre-evacuations
Type in your property address, owner name, parcel, account # or subdivision to see if you are in the evacuation or pre-evacuation zone.
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Evacuations
• None currently for Grizzly Creek Fire
Pre-evacuations
• Colorado Highway 139 (Douglas Pass) east to County Road 207 (Carr Creek Road), between County Road 204 (Roan Creek Road) and County Road 256 (Four A Ridge Road)
• North of County Road 256 (Four A Ridge Road) to the Rio Blanco county line
• West of County Road 209 (Brush Creek Road) to County Road 207 (Carr Creek Road)
• County Road 205 (Salt Wash) from the Mesa County line to the 3.5 mile marker.
Road closures
• County roads in the above evacuation areas are closed.
• County Road 200 is closed at the county line.
• County Road 204 is restricted to local residents and official vehicles only at County Road 209 intersection.
• COTrip highway closures
Be safe during wildfires
Wildfires are moving swiftly and unpredictably. Sheriff’s Office personnel will visit your home to alert you of evacuations and pre-evacuations. If you are not home, you may miss this important information. Follow the public information channels designated for each incident at all times to be sure you are aware of announcements that may impact you, and to make critical decisions for your safety.Emergency alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts through the Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority at Garco911. Once registered, you will receive either voice or text notifications about any potential safety hazard that could affect your area. Log in now and update your contact information.
Emergency management: Subscribe to email alerts from the Garfield County Emergency Operations Center for emergency information from agencies managing incidents. View it online at garfieldcounty.net.
Pre-evacuation: This is the time to prepare to evacuate. Pre-evacuation notices should be taken very seriously; this is your time to prepare to leave your home. During pre-evacuation, you should collect important documents and other irreplaceable items and have them ready in a fully fueled vehicle and be prepared to get family and pets out the door in a moment’s notice. If you own livestock, this is the time to move them – there will be no time to move livestock once an evacuation notice is in effect. It’s best to have a family communications plan and escape route set, as well as an emergency kit on-hand. Make plans for a place to stay outside of the threat area. Even if you haven’t received an evacuation notice, trust your instincts – if you feel that you’re in danger, get out. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers a comprehensive list of measures you can take to lessen the chances your home will be affected by wildfire.
Evacuation: You need to leave the area now. An evacuation notice means there is imminent danger and you need to evacuate the area as quickly and safely as possible. Follow directions of emergency authorities. Be aware of conditions, especially wind speed and direction, while leaving the area. If you are injured while evacuating, call 911 immediately after you are clear of the evacuation zone. The Colorado Department of Transportation’s COtrip website has information on road closures and any impacts that may affect your evacuation route.
CDOT: Preparing travelers for I-70 in Glenwood Canyon (fall 2020)
Motorists should prepare for reduced speeds, no stopping in the canyon and safety closures due to debris flow and other weather-related events. CDOT also urges travelers to stay focused on the road and avoid distracted driving. If there is moderate, heavy or extreme rain in Glenwood Canyon over the Grizzly Creek burn scar, it is very likely there will be a debris flow, mudslides or rockfall. In order to maintain safety on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, CDOT has a plan in place for protecting the traveling public when there could be a debris flow, mudslides or rockfall. View info on the flash floods tab below to prepare for flash floods.Safety closures and how to plan ahead
CDOT: Preparando a los viajeros para I-70 en Glenwood Canyon (otoño 2020)
Cierres por seguridad y cómo planificar
Glenwood Canyon construction, repairs
Construction for the I-70 Glenwood Canyon surface improvements projects have resumed on the westbound traffic deck between the Hanging Lake and No Name Tunnels. I-70 is open with one-lane of traffic open in each direction in the head to head detour pattern.Traffic holds
Beginning August 26, at 11 a.m., Xcel Energy is performing helicopter operations to repair and replace damaged structures in Glenwood Canyon. During helicopter work, traffic will be stopped in both directions for approximately 15 minutes. Delays are anticipated. Helicopter work will take place Mondays through Saturdays from approximately 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. The number of helicopter trips will vary based on the work crews are doing and weather impacts, but can include approximately one flight each hour. Read more below on travel through Glenwood Canyon.
* Travelers must plan for likely closures due to mudslides and other events and lower speed limits.
* Remember to use both lanes to the merge point, give your full attention to the road, and watch for fire and emergency vehicles.
* Travelers are urged to pay close attention to weather forecasts. Although the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has carefully reviewed the hazards affecting I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, the roadway is a changing environment. Even minimal amounts of rain could trigger mudslides, debris flows or rockslides in the burn area.
* Travelers will not be able to stop in Glenwood Canyon while traveling on I-70. Rest areas in the canyon will be closed and motorists will not be able to use exit ramps. I-70 is too narrow to allow stopped vehicles along the roadway and Colorado State Patrol troopers will assist in watching for motorists who attempt to stop.
Repairs in Glenwood Canyon
Recovery from the Grizzly Creek Fire will require additional traffic impacts in Glenwood Canyon to repair and replace damaged infrastructure, which includes several Xcel transmission power lines, rockfall netting, burn damage from fallen trees, concrete guardrail, and concrete damage.
CDOT is working closely with the Grizzly Creek Incident Management Team and Xcel Energy to coordinate and minimize traffic impacts to I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.
To address damage from the Grizzly Creek Fire, it is anticipated that the westbound deck will remain closed for the remainder of construction. After rest areas are safe to reopen, westbound traffic leaving Shoshone and Grizzly Creek will have to use the Bair Ranch detour for access to westbound I-70. This means westbound traffic leaving Shoshone or Grizzly Creek will be routed to use the eastbound I-70 on-ramp at Grizzly Creek then will continue to Bair Ranch for access to westbound I-70.
Travelers will not be able to stop in Glenwood Canyon while traveling on I-70. Rest areas in the canyon will be closed and motorists will not be able to use exit ramps. I-70 is too narrow to allow stopped vehicles along the roadway and Colorado State Patrol troopers will assist in watching for motorists who attempt to stop. The Glenwood Canyon bike path is also closed at this time. Rafting, kayaking and other river recreation activities are not allowed on the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon at this time. Fortunately, construction activities are still on track to be completed in October 2020.
Bike path and rest areas (No Name, Grizzly Creek, Shoshone, Bair Ranch)
The Glenwood Canyon Bike Path remains closed between approximately Dotsero (Mile Point 133) and the No Name Tunnels (MP 117.6). All rest areas and river put-ins in Glenwood Canyon also remain closed due to rockfall and other hazards. There is no estimated time of reopening.
Recreational river access
All river recreation activities on the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon have been suspended to support ongoing firefighting activities.
Flash floods
Prepare now
Gather supplies in case of a storm, strengthen your home against damage, and review your insurance coverages.
Flood insurance
Remember: it typically takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to go into effect, so get your policy now. Only flood insurance covers flood damage. Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage.
Plan ahead
Plan evacuation routes. Keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place. Conduct a home inventory; itemize and take pictures of possessions.
Where to turn for air updates and the smoke outlook from local fires
The good news is that the air quality in Garfield County has returned to healthy levels and we can once again open our windows, enjoy outdoor recreational activities, and feel good about the mountain air we breathe.However, it doesn't have to take a wildfire to find out about the day's air quality. You can see real-time air data anytime on the Garfield County Air page as well as on a few other great resource pages listed below. In addition, the EPA has a new website for Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) with great information for any future smoke events.
Visit the Environmental Health air quality page for real-time data on air quality and information on how to stay healthy during a wildfire smoke advisory.
Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Where to watch for information
Garfield County air quality monitors continue to provide real-time and 24-hour air quality information.
https://fire.airnow.gov/
Garfield County air monitoring webpage
State air quality health advisory page
EPA site on wildfires and indoor air quality (IAQ)
Low-cost, community-based PurpleAir sensors along the I-70 corridor
About PurpleAir:
Low-cost sensors, such as PurpleAir, can be used as an indicator of elevated levels of particulates in the air and help by adding data coverage in areas where there are not permanent regulatory monitors.
Public Health advises setting the default to a “one day average” rather than “10-minute average” because being exposed to moderate to heavy smoke for a short-term period may not have the same health impacts as being exposed for a full 24-hours.
It is important to understand that these low-cost sensors are not considered accurate enough to be used in regulatory action. These sensors are not a reference method nor approved by EPA for compliance with federal air quality standards.
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COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
26 de agosto, 2020
La Calidad del Aire en el Condado de Garfield ha Mejorado: Entre Bueno y Moderado
Espere "buena" calidad de aire hoy en todo el Condado de Garfield con la posibilidad de una calidad "moderada" a veces
Vea pronósticos sobre el humo relacionados con la actividad de incendios forestales a continuación:
Grizzly Creek: https://www.facebook.com/GrizzlyCreekFireCO/
Pine Gulch: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado
Dónde buscar información
Incendio Grizzly Creek Página con Información sobre Humo
Incendio Pine Gulch Página con Información sobre Humo
Página Web de Monitoreo de Aire del Condado Garfield
Página Estatal de Avisos de Salud Sobre la Calidad del Aire
Sensores PurpleAir comunitarios a lo largo del interestatal 70
*Nuevo* Sitio del Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA, por sus siglas en Inglés) sobre sobre Incendios Forestales y La Calidad de Aire Interior (IAQ, por sus siglas en Inglés)
Sobre PurpleAir:
Los sensores de bajo costo, como PurpleAir, se pueden usar como indicadores de niveles elevados de partículas en el aire y ayudan a agregar cobertura de datos en áreas donde no hay monitores permanentes.
Salud Pública sugiere establecer el valor predeterminado en un "promedio de un día" en lugar de un "promedio de 10 minutos" porque estar expuesto a humo moderado a denso durante un período corto puede no tener los mismos impactos en la salud que estar expuesto durante 24 horas completas.
Es importante comprender que estos sensores de bajo costo no se consideran lo suficientemente precisos para ser utilizados en acciones regulatorias. Estos sensores no son un método de referencia ni están aprobados por la EPA para cumplir con los estándares federales de calidad del aire.
Stage 1 fire restrictions
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for unincorporated Garfield County, White River National Forest, BLM lands Fire restrictions -|Assistance for evacuees
Red Cross 970-406-0641Lift-Up 509-432-6068
Mexican consulate Asistencia por Mexicans: 303-667-8657 – 24/7
Glenwood Springs resources
Help with livestock or pets
Grizzly Creek Fire:If residents need help with moving livestock, or a place for pets to be safe during evacuation they may call 970-471-2635.
Animal services:
If residents need help with moving livestock, or a place for pets to be safe during evacuation, call 970-244-1835.
This coordination is being done with the assistance of Garfield County Emergency Management for both fires.
Garfield County Fairgrounds
Garfield County Fairgrounds is housing animals – call 970-625-2514 during the day, or 970-309-4341 for after hours assistance at the fairgrounds.
Donation information
While we appreciate the generosity of the community, the firefighters are taken care of. They are currently in remote areas and will be "spiking out" in those areas to reduce exposure to large groups of people. They are prepared to be self-sufficient for several days and any additional supplies will be taken care of by our great logistics staff. They have food, water, sports drinks, snacks and hygiene supplies, and adhere to strict diets designed to provide the calories & nutrients necessary for strenuous work.If you have items ready to donate, local volunteer fire departments might appreciate support. Additionally, consider donating to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, which provides assistance to fallen firefighters’ families & to firefighters injured in the line of duty.
Please understand:
We are unable to accept physical donations right now;
We don't have the capacity to handle, store, and manage goods or volunteers;
We are still trying to limit interactions and surface touches due to COVID-19;
Cash donations are the best way to help. To make a donation, please contact:
American Red Cross
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Información de donación
Apreciamos la generosidad de la comunidad y entendemos que la gente quiere ayudar, sepa que nuestros socorristas y las personas evacuadas están siendo atendidos a través de organizaciones como la Cruz Roja, el Salvation Army y Lift-Up.Por lo tanto, nos gustaría que por favor comprenda lo siguiente:
No podemos aceptar donaciones físicas (bienes) en este momento;
No tenemos la capacidad de personal que ayudar a manejar, almacenar y administrar bienes o voluntarios.
Todavía estamos tratando de limitar las interacciones y el contacto con superficies debido a COVID-19
Las donaciones en efectivo son la mejor manera de ayudar en este momento. Para hacer una donación, comuníquese con cualquiera de las siguientes organizaciones:
Cruz Roja Americana
<-------------- EMERGENCY FEED, WEATHER AND TWITTER FEED --------------------------------------------->
COVID-19 outbreaks arise in local faith-based groups
July 31, 2020
Two different faith-based groups in Garfield County have experienced outbreaks of COVID-19 among worshippers, and Garfield County Public Health is urging vigilance to anyone gathering in groups to abide by social distancing guidelines and to wear masks.
more info
Submit a Business Social Distancing Plan
April 24, 2020
The Safer at Home order allows businesses to begin ramping up, while still protecting the well-being of our citizens. The Roadmap to Recovery details a phased reopening. Businesses looking to re-open must fill out an online form before May 4. - Plan de Distanciamiento Social para Negocios es en Español tambien.
more info
Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin counties to implement regional testing strategy for COVID-19
July 9, 2020
Public health departments in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties are coordinating their regional testing strategies for COVID-19. Testing is a key containment strategy to slow the spread of the disease. Surges in cases nationwide are stressing the testing components supply chain and the capacity at state and commercial labs cannot keep up with the demand, often delaying results by up...
more info
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. – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday
The Human Services office in Glenwood Springs is also open for limited services:
9 a.m. – 1 p.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
Applications for food, medical and adult financial assistance, Colorado Works/ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), long term care and child care assistance can be made online at Colorado PEAK or via the MyCOBenefits app (download from the Google Play Store.)
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
July 15, 2020
In an effort to remind visitors and residents how we can all help reverse the current trendline and start to lower the number of COVID cases in Garfield County, Public Health launches the Do MORE in Garfield County campaign. The campaign features summer messages to be used by community businesses...
more info
Reel it in! to support River Bridge
September 15, 2020
Whether you fish in a river, lake, pond, or ocean, join our fundraiser from Sept. 23 to Oct. 11 to help support child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members with essential services to promote hope and healing.
More info
Noxious weed treatments
September 10, 2020
The fall is a great time to treat noxious weeds and Garfield County Vegetation Management is encouraging landowners to do so during the cooler months ahead. Through the Garfield County and Bookcliff, South Side and Mount Sopris Conservation Districts’ noxious weed cost-share program, landowners may...
More info
Garfield County offices and departments still closed to public
April 30, 2020
UPDATE - May 4, 2020 GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – During Colorado’s “Safer at Home” phase of the COVID-19 response, the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder’s, Treasurer’s and Assessor’s offices in the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs are still closed to walk-in traffic. Services through...
More info
FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN GARFIELD COUNTY REDUCED TO STAGE 1
September 17, 2020
The Garfield County Sheriff, and the seven Fire Districts in Garfield County as well as BLM are moving from Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2020. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County. It...
More info
County adopting federal lands natural resources plan
September 10, 2020
Garfield County has concluded its Federal Lands Natural Resources Coordination Plan and Policies document, which will guide the county’s policy decisions on public lands with the principles of coordination, multiple-use and sustained yield.
More info
Differentiating isolation and quarantine in COVID-19
August 7, 2020
Two different letters are distributed to people in the community that have been exposed to COVID-19; one focused on isolation, and another on quarantine. There has been some confusion in the public over what each of these letters entail, prompting Garfield County Public Health to...
More info
2020 U.S. Census closes on Sept. 30
The 2020 U.S. Census is coming to a close and if you haven’t yet filled out your confidential census form, now’s the time. The questionnaire only takes around 10 minutes to complete, and each person that completes the census form equates to $2,300 per year in federal funding for the area.
Census information-|
En Español-|
Aspen to Parachute census information-|
