Latest news with #MontroseCounty
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
South Rim Fire grows another 100 acres as more personnel come on board
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – The South Rim Fire grew another 100 acres as firefighters attempt contain the blaze that evacuated the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and nearby neighborhoods last week. As of Monday morning, the lightning-caused South Rim Fire was mapped at 3,633 acres with zero containment. Over 300 personnel are working on the blaze. Management of the South Rim Fire was transferred on Monday from the San Juan Type 3 Team 8 over to the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 (RM CIMT 3). Two aircraft, five crews, eight engines, two dozers and four water tenders are being used to fight the blaze. According to RM CIMT 3, fire activity was moderate for most of the day Sunday. Crews used the time to work on the handline on the north side of the blaze. The firefighters also set up hose lays along the northwest while helicopters dropped water to help reduce the wildfire from spreading, RM CIMT 3 stated. Crews also worked on handlines along 347 Road below the area burned in the Warner Fire in 1996, as the blaze was burning back into itself along the east side. In the evening, a thunderstorm with gusty winds passed over the fire, making it 'extremely active and unpredictable,' according to RM CIMT 3. Heavy smoke also limited visibility, which caused issues with how to safely engage in suppression efforts. Going forward, two water scooper aircraft have been ordered and are expected to arrive later Monday. Crews also developed a structure protection plan for the Bostwick Park community and implemented it on Monday. Firefighters will monitor the fire on the northeast side as it's mostly burning back into itself, RM CIMT 3 stated. On the southeast end, crews and dozer operators will work on keeping the fire from affecting the transmission lines on the East Portal Road, which provides power to Crystal Dam. Although the forecast shows a chance for showers, it is possible to see a repeat of increased fire activity, according to RM CIMT 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
How officials plan to tackle the South Rim Fire
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — On Friday, multiple fire officials and agencies released updates and plans to address the South Rim Fire, which is one of two lightning-caused fires in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park that started on Thursday. As of 3:26 p.m. on Friday, the fire has not been contained and has grown to 1,640 acres. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has been evacuated and closed. Additionally, Highway 347 is closed at the junction of Highway 50. There are no evacuations currently in place in Montrose County outside of the national park; however, pre-evacuations have been issued to residents nearby. Officials report that smoke may be visible in the area, which can settle into valleys and other low-lying areas at night and in the early morning hours. Residents are advised to avoid as much smoke exposure as possible since prolonged exposure may cause health issues. On Thursday, officials successfully evacuated the national park and started operations to protect structures by using retardant in vegetation clearing around park structures and homes. A firing operation late Wednesday evening was conducted to protect the Black Canyon visitor center from damage. Some park equipment and outbuildings in the area have been reported to have suffered damage. Meanwhile, aviation resources had provided retardant, mapping and aerial supervision to officials and ground crews. On Friday at 6 a.m., officials part of a Type 3 Incident Management Team had taken over the incident, in which the team had worked with the park and local cooperators to develop firefighting strategies. Fighterfighters will focus on protecting structures by using engines, water tenders and aircraft if needed. Airtankers and other aviation assets will supply retardant, water buckets and assist with mapping and aerial supervision. Overall, the incident will focus on the following objectives: Providing safety for firefighters and the public by using a risk-based approach to decision making. Protecting critical values, including residences, power infrastructures, cultural sites, the Black Canyon Visitor Center and the administration building. Limiting fire spread towards critical values by combining the use of heavy equipment, aviation, crews and engines. For more information about the South Rim Fire, residents can email or call 970-240-1070. WesternSlopeNow will update this story as it develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Montrose County orders evacuations for South Rim Fire
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — On Friday, Montrose County issued evacuation orders at 5:39 p.m. due to the rapid movement of the South Rim Fire at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The mandatory evacuations include all Bostwick Park residents and the K73 Trail. Highway 347 at the Highway 50 intersection still remains closed to the public. Earlier reports from officials on Friday stated that the lightning-caused fire had grown to 1,640 acres and was 0% contained. As fire behavior is increasing, firefighters are pulling back to perform structure protection. A South Rim Fire Information Line has been set up and can be contacted at 970-240-1070. WesternSlopeNow will update this story as it develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Montrose County Sheriff's Office seeking info on burglary suspect
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – Law enforcement is asking for any information regarding a burglary that occurred early Sunday morning. According to the Montrose County Sheriff's Office, between 3:25 a.m. and 4:14 a.m., the male suspect entered the back of the Smart Market Convenience Store and Gas Station, 950 Spring Creek Road, riding a bike. Camera footage showed the suspect allegedly prying open the back door, entering the building and stealing numerous cigarettes including brands like Lucky Strikes, Camels and American Spirits. He then reportedly placed the stolen items into a backpack and left the store through the same rear door. The suspect was seen not wearing gloves and appeared to wear a wedding ring. He also has a mustache and was last seen wearing a hoodie with a light and dark pattern. 'Do you recognize this person, his mustache, or perhaps his distinctive jacket?' the sheriff's office said. If anyone has information about the suspect, call the Montrose County Sheriff's Office-Investigations at 970-249-9110. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aircraft crashes near Montrose Regional Airport
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – A non-commercial aircraft crash happened Monday morning north of Montrose Regional Airport, according to the Montrose County Sheriff's Office. According to our reporter on the scene, the plane took off around 10:20 a.m., but hit a pile of dirt, rolled and caught fire. The Montrose County Coroner's Office is on scene. The exact number of people on the plane is unknown at this time. The plane is a fixed wing single-engine aircraft manufactured in 2008 and registered to Angry Moose LLC of Fort Myers, Florida. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft's registration was pending and 'may not be suitable for operation.' Flight logs showed the plane flew Saturday from Delta to Montrose. The sheriff's office asked the public to avoid the area north of the airport along County Road. This story is breaking. WesternSlopeNow will update this article when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
