310 Fire Forces Evacuations in Western Colorado

A new wildfire ignited near the towns of Battlement Mesa and Parachute in western Colorado on Thursday afternoon, forcing immediate evacuations and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The fire, designated the 310 Fire, started just before 1:00 p.m. Thursday on Morrisania Mesa near County Road 310, according to the Grand Valley Fire Protection District. By 3:00 p.m., the fire had burned an estimated 60 acres. It grew rapidly throughout the afternoon, reaching 90 acres by 3:20 p.m. and expanding to 332 acres by 4:35 p.m., according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office ordered evacuations for parts of County Road 338 beginning at approximately 1:45 p.m.. Deputies assisted residents in leaving the area. County Roads 310 and 338 were closed at County Road 301. The 3000 block of County Road 301 to County Road 302 was placed in "set" status, meaning residents in that area should prepare for sudden evacuation orders. The 3000-6000 block of County Road 301 was placed under pre-evacuation status, with officials advising residents to monitor conditions and pack valuables. Holy Cross Energy cut power to the Battlement Creek area due to the fire. Aircraft were deployed to fight the fire from the air, while ground crews worked to contain the blaze. Evacuees were directed to the Cottonwood Rodeo Grounds in Parachute. The fire added to already smoky skies across Colorado, as smoke from wildfires in several western states continued to affect air quality. Firefighters were battling the fire from both the air and the ground on Thursday afternoon. No estimate on containment was immediately available. The Grand Valley Fire Protection District led the response, with assistance from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service also reported on the fire's progression. The fire is located east of the town of Parachute on Colorado's Western Slope. Officials urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. The situation remained dynamic as crews continued to battle the fast-moving fire late Thursday. The 310 Fire is the latest in a series of wildfires to break out across the western United States during a summer marked by extreme heat and dry conditions. No injuries or structural losses had been reported as of Thursday evening.