Grand to consider Stage 2 fire restrictions
With many waking up to haze and ash from Routt County’s Muddy Slide Fire, a red flag warning is in effect for much of Grand County.
The National Weather Service has issued most of Grand a red flag warning from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday due to wind and low relative humidity. Forecasters warn that gusty winds combined with low relative humidity may cause new fire starts to rapidly spread and grow.
Grand is currently under Stage 1 Restrictions, which means open fires are prohibited outside of a developed recreation site as are incendiary devices excluding permissible fireworks. People should be extra cautious with sparks and flames during red flag warnings.
Grand County commissioners are holding a special meeting Thursday to discuss the possibility of moving into Stage 2 Restrictions. In a Wednesday Facebook post, Sheriff Brett Schroetlin said that he would be recommending the commissioners do so.
Under Stage 2 Restrictions, no outdoor fires or campfires of any kind are permitted and use of open flame torches and explosives are prohibited, except with a special permit. Firework shows are still allowed as professional displays, though individual towns can choose not to permit them.
Residents and visitors are reminded to sign up for CodeRED, which issues cellular emergency notifications based on location. Sign up for CodeRED alerts by visiting http://www.gcemergency.com.
Muddy Slide is burning roughly 6 miles from the county line, 17 miles west of Kremmling and 11 miles from the Old Park area. It is currently at 1,025 acres with 0% containment.
Satellite imagery from the NWS depicted the heat from the Muddy Slide Fire overnight along with the smoke drifting over much of Grand County to Boulder and northern Denver.
Satellite imagery shows the #MuddySlideFire is still burning hot this evening while other fires in the state have seen fire activity diminish. The infrared data shows temperatures up to 138°C or 280°F. The #MuddySlideFire is the yellow spot south of Steamboat Springs. #COwx pic.twitter.com/73T0m3luMw
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) June 23, 2021
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.
Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.
If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.
