UPDATE: Highway 139 remains closed due to Oil Springs Fire, evacuations ordered

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - According to CDOT, Highway 139 is closed in both directions at Douglass Pass due to the Oil Springs Fire. According to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, the fire is burning 20 miles south of Rangely. It has grown to about 5,000 acres and is zero percent contained. Smoke is visible in the surrounding area. Several agencies have been called in to help with structure protection.

Evacuations remain in effect for certain areas in response to the Oil Springs Fire as well. The evacuation zones is the Garfield County line to Rio Blanco County Road 116 on the west side of Highway 139 and Rio Blanco County Roads 27, 28, and 120 on the east side of the road. Evacuations also extend to County Roads 103, 128, and 26 A. The evacuation point is the Rangely Latter Days Saints Church. Due to road closures, you can only drive north on Highway 139 to Rangely when evacuating.

The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning.

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A wildfire has broke out in Rio Blanco County about 20 miles south of Rangely, off Highway 139 around the Texas Mountain area.

Reports of smoke in the area started coming in around 7 p.m. Friday evening. According to information released by the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s office, the fire is burning an area of about 20 acres and is zero percent contained. The site of the fire is in a Wilderness Study Area, and no structures or private property are threatened at this time. Authorities have determined the cause of the fire to be lightning. They also said to expect to see smoke in the area for the time being. Juniper and pinyon are fueling the fire.