Wildfire prompted closure of Highway 50 west of Gunnison

A fast-moving wildland fire forced the closure of U.S. Highway 50 west of Gunnison on Thursday, disrupting traffic along the vital Western Slope corridor and prompting a multi-agency emergency response.

The blaze, which sparked Thursday afternoon, quickly spread through dry grasses and sagebrush, producing thick smoke that severely reduced visibility for drivers. The Colorado Department of Transportation closed the highway in both directions, cutting off the primary route connecting Gunnison and Montrose.

It was reopened in both directions Thursday night just before 8 p.m.

First responders from the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office, local volunteer fire districts, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control deployed to the scene. Firefighters focused on protecting nearby infrastructure and stopping the flames from jumping established containment lines. Aerial resources, including a single-engine air tanker, were requested to assist ground crews with retardant drops.

No injuries or building damages have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by state and local authorities.