GARCO/KREMMLING WILDFIRE UPDATE
New Castle—The wildfire that broke out last night north of New Castle didn’t grow much overnight. It’s estimated to be about three acres. The forest service has a Type 1 crew dropping water on the blaze. The fire originated near Triangle Park and the turnoff to Meadow Lake. Officials aren’t sure what sparked the fire but some say it was likely caused by lightning during one of several dry thunderstorms that moved through the area.
Kremmling—Elsewhere in the White River National Forest, crews are battling the Gutzler Fire in the Sheephorn Ridge southwest of Kremmling in Grand County. The fire was first reported early Sunday afternoon. The blaze has burned about 250 acres and is being closely monitored due to it’s proximity to a private ranch.
MOUNTAIN TOWNS CALL OFF FIREWORKS SHOWS
Aspen/Steamboat Springs—With no rain in the foreseeable future, officials in Aspen and Steamboat Springs aren’t taking any chances with 4th of July fireworks displays. Aspen Deputy Fire Chief Parker Lathrop says after consulting with neighboring fire districts and considering the dry vegetation, they recommended the Aspen Chamber Resort Association cancel the show. In Steamboat Springs, Fire Rescue Chief Mel Stewart said calling off the show was the safest thing to do given the high fire danger and lingering heat wave. Despite the cancellations and recent fire restrictions, the city of Rifle will launch it’s fireworks display tonight around 9:30 from Rifle Middle School. Leading up to the show, music will be provided by Noodle Soup and Symphony in the Valley from 4 to 7:30 at Centennial Park. Tomorrow the city of Glenwood Springs begins it’s Independence Day festivities at 5 pm at Two Rivers Park with music, games, vendors and fireworks around 9:30.
