Multiple fires burned regionally around the West End, with many residents hoping or praying for rain last week. Last Thursday in the Gateway area, the Turner Gulch Fire ignited after a lighting strike, the BLM said in their incident report online. By Saturday evening, evacuation orders had been given to those living in between mile markers 120-124. The fire was still burning over the weekend and by July 13 had scorched more than 500 acres with 0% containment in rugged terrain.
And, by July 13, many were watching what the South Rim Fire was doing. Located in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the fire was caused by a lightning strike also, the BLM reported. Sunday it had burned 3,556 acres and had 0% containment with 190 personnel working the fire.
The park had been evacuated and was closed to the public. The Botwick Park community outside of Montrose was also under an evacuation notice. Evacuations had been issued by Montrose County for residences on M73, N73, N74 and O74 roads.
At the same time, the Sowbelly Fire, also caused by lighting, was burning in Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area in Delta and Mesa counties. By July 13, the fire was 0% contained and burning 2,251 acres. More than 50 personnel were working the fire.
And, the Deer Creek Fire, burning in the La Sal area in Utah, was concerning. The government website, https://inciweb.wildfire.gov, said online the cause was undetermined. On Saturday, the fire exhibited what some spectators called a “firenado,” described by the government as a “spinning column.” The fire by July 13 had 0% containment and was burning nearly 9,000 acres. At least 300 personnel were working the Deer Creek Fire.
The weather pattern was windy and hot over the weekend. Jeff Stephens, public information officer for the Nucla-Naturita Fire Department, told the the Forum Sunday night it’s true the fire was creeping into Colorado. He said Montrose County was making masks available for those in the West End to help protect them from smoke. He said they’d be available Monday, July 14.
Montrose County issued a news release to the public on July 11. Then, they said folks should stay inside with the doors and windows closed.
“Run your air conditioner with the fresh-air intake closed (“recirculate mode”) to keep smoke from getting indoors,” the news release said. “Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.”
Additionally, Montrose County officials said for those with lung or heart conditions, they should follow the advice of their health care provider and seek support if things got bad for them. They warned not to add to indoor air pollution with candles, sprays or anything else. They said smoking, frying and broiling meat and even vacuuming can increase air pollution.
“Use a portable air cleaner to reduce indoor air pollution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on where to put the air cleaner and when to replace the filters,” Montrose County officials said. “Reduce how much smoke you inhale. If it looks or smells smoky outside, avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run. Wait until air quality is better before you are active outdoors.”
They also said not to rely on bandanas or dust masks for smoke protection, as the N95 respirator masks are best. While some were being delivered to the West End Monday, July 14, they’re also available at Montrose County Public Health, located at 1845 S. Townsend Ave. The masks are free.
