Fires continue to burn in neighboring Colorado. The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office reports that the lightning caused Sulphur Fire is located 5 miles north of Meeker. It started July 22nd and was last reported at 671 acres in oak brush and tall grass. On Thursday it was reported as 8 percent containment. Helicopters continue with bucket drops while fire crews build and reinforce fire lines from the ground. County Road 11 is closed and motorists are warned that there will be heavy fire traffic along roads between County Road 11 and Barone Middle School. The Stewart Gulch Fire is 62 acres on BLM land. No containment is reported and no structures are threatened. The lightning caused Indian Valley Fire, located 16 miles northwest of Meeker, is 40 percent contained and burning in grass, brush and timber. It started July 20th and is mapped at 5,444 acres. Air quality has been a concern in Rio Blanco County. It’s been recommended that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
