Grand Junction Fire Department responds to brush fire

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) - Monday morning around 9 a.m. the Grand Junction Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire just south of the Gunnison River in the Redlands area. This happened near Rosevale Road and Gunnison Dam Road south of Grand Junction. Luckily no structures or houses were damaged.

According to the Grand Junction Fire Department, this was an agricultural burn that got out of control.

“Strong winds coming in from the south pushed the fire and made it grow very rapidly,” said Grand Junction Fire Department Community Outreach Specialist Dirk Clingman. “It started as an agricultural burn. So the owner of the property called to get assistance with putting it out.”

Officials say the fire was quickly controlled by multiple teams.

“Our fire crews along with some assistance from the Mesa County Sheriffs Wildland Fire Team worked around the perimeter of the fire to make sure its not gonna grow out of control. They’re letting portions of it continue to burn. It’s not a good area to try to put it out.”

Officials say it can burn safely in this area.

“The fire is contained but will continue to be smoky and our crews will monitor it as conditions change to make sure it doesn’t start growing again.”

The fire department has a message for those who conduct agricultural controlled burns to always check the weather beforehand.

“Its always important even though you may have a free weekend to burn and it’s a good time for you, you have to always check the weather. This fire this morning would have gone exactly as it should have except for those strong winds from the south. So it’s really important to be aware of conditions.”

The start of burn season is coming soon and officials remind the public to be aware of where their property is whether they’re in city limits or not. Permits are available through Mesa County Public Health.

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