Friday, April 20, 2018

Update: Skipper Island Fire Day 3

5:00 pm Final Update: The Skipper Island Fire is now 100% contained. Crews will continue to monitor the fire for flare ups over the next several days. I70 is currently closed in both directions to allow Xcel crews to repair power lines damaged by the fire. Check with CDOT for the latest information on road closures.

2:00 pm UPDATE: Significant progress has been made on the Skipper Island Fire. Total acreage is 220 acres. The fire area north of I-70 is 100% contained. The fire area south of I-70 is 70% contained.


Previous:

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Skipper Island Fire is still actively burning south of I70 and north of the Colorado River. I70 was closed again Friday morning when winds flared up the fire again near the interstate. I70 is now back open as of 8:30 am.

The fire on the north side of I70 is 90% contained. The fire on the south side of I70 is 30% contained.

As of Thursday afternoon the fire burned 50 acres, it has grown since then. This morning crews are assessing the current acreage. We will post an update once one is available.

No structures or home are being threatened by the fire. NO evacuations are anticipated.

Many agencies have worked countless hours in very difficult conditions to contain this fire. Those agencies include the Mesa County Sheriff Wildland Fire Team, Lower Valley Fire District, BLM, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Grand Junction Fire Department, De Beque Fire Department, Palisade Fire Department, Clifton Fire Department, East Orchard Mesa Fire Department, Plateau Valley Fire Department, Xcel Energy, Grand Valley Power, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol, Frutia Police Department, CDOT and other partner agencies.

Today winds are again expected to be a challenge for firefighters. Air drops from the Type I helicopter will resume at 9:00 am. Today crews from the Mesa County Sheriff Wildland Fire Team, Lower Valley Fire District, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Grand Junction Fire Department, De Beque Fire Department, Palisade Fire Department are fighting the fire.

There is smoke in the area and will continue to be for sometime. It is advised to stay indoors and limit your outdoor activity, especially if you have respiratory issues. For a full list of recommendations from the Mesa County Department of Public Health click here.

Also thank you to the public for donations of food and water to the firefighters. We have plenty of food and water and are not seeking any more.

Please be aware, no fire agency associated with the Skipper Island Fire is soliciting donations for gift cards or money to help with this fire. If you see someone asking for gift cards or money, it could be a scam.

For the previous press release click here.

For photos, video and the latest information on the fire follow the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page.