Curecanti National Recreation Area closed a portion of Blue Mesa Reservoir west of the Middle Bridge to all boating activities on July 13. According to InciWeb, the closure will enable firefighting aircraft to access the reservoir and support firefighting operations at the South Rim Fire.
On the morning of July 10, a lightning storm in Montrose County sparked two wildfires on the South and North rims of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The South Rim Fire swelled to roughly 3,600 acres on July 14, and is currently 0% contained.
The fire is burning a terrain of pinyon pine and juniper trees, sagebrush and grassland. The spread was fueled by red flag conditions, including gusty winds, low humidity and high temperatures.
Montrose County issued evacuation notices for residences on M73, N73, N74, and O74 roads. The Bostwick Park Community in Montrose is currently under an evacuation notice.
Park Rangers successfully evacuated all park visitors, backcountry hikers and staff. Firefighters are working both on the ground and in the air to slow the spread. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is closed, including the North Rim, South Rim and East Portal areas.
This is a developing story.
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