GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Interstate 70 is back open between Glenwood Springs and Gypsum after closing on Aug. 10 due to the Grizzly Creek Fire.
The Colorado Department of Transportation announced the interstate had reopened around 6:20 a.m. Monday. Read more about the reopening here.
I'm already seeing traffic on the newly opened section of I-70 between Gypsum and Glenwood Springs.
— Jayson Luber (@Denver7Traffic) August 24, 2020
All lanes on EB/WB 70 are now open in Glenwood Canyon. Fire fighter activity is still ongoing so be mindful of them and their operations. pic.twitter.com/bTNfzYsU2n
In addition, some pre-evacuation notices were lifted in Eagle County for the fire, though the sheriff's office emphasized that the fire remains active in many places.
The pre-evacuation notices were lifted for Sweetwater Road, Dotsero and Lower Colorado River Road.
“It’s imperative for everyone to continue to be vigilant and adhere to the fire restrictions in the county,” said Sheriff James Van Beek. “We know from our coordination with the Grizzly Creek Fire command that this fire remains active in many places and that we’ll continue to see smoke in the area for quite some time. We can’t let our guard down with how tinderbox dry the conditions are in our county."
On Monday afternoon, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office moved the High Aspen, Spring Valley Ranch, Homestead Ranch, Colter Meadows and Lookout Mountain areas south of the fire from evacuation statuses to pre-evacuation statuses.
Area road closures remain in effect, with access for residents and fire crews only. People should still be prepared to evacuate again in the event the fire grows again in the area.
The Grizzly Creek Fire was 30,719 acres and 33% contained, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office said Monday.
Throughout the day Sunday, crews monitored hot spots from both the ground and air, while mopping up and patrolling the containment lines.
Forest Service Road 400 is also closed after drivers mistook it as an optional other route and got stuck or crashed. Coffee Pot Road, Transfer Trail and Clinetop Mesa also remain closed.
The Bureau of Land Management has closed recreational sites and boat ramps on the southern side of the Colorado River near Dotsero, including the Cottonwood Landing ramp, Lyons campground and ramp, and the Dotsero ramp.
The Grizzly Creek Fire is one of four major fires currently burning in Colorado. Click here for more Denver7 coverage of the wildfires.