GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – A wildfire burning south of Glenwood Springs is now 60 percent contained, according to Garfield County sheriff’s officials.
The Oak Meadows Fire, previously referred to as the Aspen Way Fire, has burned about 44 acres of land, Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario said in a press release Sunday.
Firefighters have been effective in containing the fire – so much so, in fact, that a decision was made not to use bull dozers that were on scene in case they needed to be used in firefighting efforts.
Four ground crews are expected to continue to battle the blaze on Monday, including two hot shot crews and two Type 2 crews. The projected weather forecast for the area calls for cool weather, which should help crews continue making progress to put out the fire.
“The current plan is to release the air support and continue operations of securing and widening the perimeter containment,” Sheriff Vallario said.
Officials anticipate that additional resources will be released Monday with final mop up being completed at the beginning of the week as well.
The public is advised to stay out of the Oak Meadows area for the next two days to allow firefighters to continue doing their jobs safely and efficiently. The Sopris Elementary School, adjoining parking lot and ball field will be used for staging of resources as well as check-in and check-out, Vallario said.
The Oak Meadows Fire was reported at about 7:05 p.m. Friday about five miles west of Carbondale along Four Mile Creek.
A cause for the fire has not been determined.