Breaking: Portion of I-70 in Colorado shut down due to fire
A portion of Interstate 70 in Colorado has been shut down in both directions due to a brush fire.
In separate Tweets, CDOT stated, “I-70 WB: Road closed at Exit 133 – Dotsero. Due to wildfire activity west of Glenwood Springs. No estimated time to open” and “I-70 EB/WB: Fire department activity between Exit 111 – South Canyon and Exit 114 – West Glenwood. Road closed due to fire activity. I-70 closed in both directions MM 112.5, due to fire activity.”
The Glenwood Springs Fire Department said in a Facebook post, “Today at 2:32 p.m., Glenwood Springs Fire Department was called to a wildland fire on I-70, north of mile marker 111.Upon arrival, about half an acre was burning with construction crews attempting to fight the fire. The fire spread quickly, growing to approximately 15 acres in a short amount of time. The fire is burning in pinion and juniper on steep areas of BLM land. The latest size of the fire was estimated to be 35 – 40 acres.I-70 is expected to be closed in both directions for quite a while.”
“We are grateful we were able to get a fast response to the fire. We thank our neighboring fire agencies for their quick response. We know closing I-70 is an inconvenience and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”There have been no injuries or loss of property reported at this time.The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.Information will be posted on Glenwood Springs Fire Department’s Facebook page. Press releases will go out as needed.”
PRESS RELEASEAugust 5, 2020111 FireGlenwood Springs, Colo – Today at 2:32 p.m., Glenwood Springs Fire Department…
Posted by Glenwood Springs Fire Department on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
At this time, it is unclear when the interstate will reopen. Please be advised and choose an alternate route.
I-70 WB: Road closed at Exit 133 – Dotsero. Due to wildfire activity west of Glenwood Springs. No estimated time to open. https://t.co/f2mYTYmhPQ
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) August 5, 2020
I-70 EB/WB: Fire department activity between Exit 111 – South Canyon and Exit 114 – West Glenwood. Road closed due to fire activity. I-70 closed in both directions MM 112.5, due to fire activity. https://t.co/WdCIc3zCHx
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) August 5, 2020
Here are some pictures of the 111 fire.
Posted by Glenwood Springs Fire Department on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
111 Fire UpdateSeven aircraft are actively working to suppress this fire. The interstate cannot reopen during these operations. Please be patient as we continue to fight this fire.
Posted by Glenwood Springs Fire Department on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Photo Credit: Rick F.