At 6:42 PM Grand Junction Fire Department was dispatched to Connected Lakes State Park for a small fire at the western end of the park, farthest from the drive-in entrance. The fire was first called in by someone at the park, with additional calls coming from the surrounding area. When GJFD crews arrived they found a fire approximately 20 feet by 20 feet in an area of natural vegetation and heavy fuels. Strong and sudden wind gusts quickly spread the fire as additional fire crews were on their way to assist. The park was evacuated and a pre-evacuation notice was sent to 152 contacts in the South Rim neighborhood placing them on pre-evacuation notice, meaning they needed to prepare to leave their homes immediately if the fire were to spread. During the course of the incident, blowing embers started a small spot fire across the river between Junior Service League Park and Blue Heron Boat Ramp that was quickly contained.
Ultimately, it is estimated that the fire burned between six to ten acres. One person was evaluated for smoke inhalation and was not transported. The pre-evacuation notice was lifted and no homes needed to be evacuated. Crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to homes or other structures. Mesa County Sheriff's Office determined that the fire was caused by discarded smoking materials.
Grand Junction Fire Department responded with five fire engines, a water tender, a battalion chief, one ambulance, and a safety and medical officer. Additional agencies that responded to assist include Mesa County Wildland Fire Team, Upper Colorado Interagency Fire Management Unit, Lower Valley Fire Department, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Grand Junction Police Department, Grand Junction Regional Communication Center Incident Dispatch Team, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Private companies with water resources were also able to assist fire engines with refilling tanks in areas where no other water sources were available.
For more information on this incident contact the Community Outreach Officer at 970-549-5800 or by email at GJFirePIO@gjcity.org.