Brush fire in the area of Appleton Drive, south of I Road on 24 Road. AG burn has jumped a property line and is now threatening a home closer to 24 Road. Fire appears to be between 23 and 24 Roads south of I Road. Brush crews and fire engines have been dispatched. Fire has spread to 20 acres in size. An ambulance was dispatched to check on an 80 year old man with some burns to his lower legs.
From the Grand Junction Fire Department:
Grand Junction, CO – Today, the Grand Junction Fire Department (GJFD) responded to two separate significant wildland fires, emphasizing the importance of safe agricultural burning practices.
At 12:18 p.m., crews were dispatched to an agricultural fire on the 800 block of 23 Road that had spread beyond property lines and was growing out of control. Just two minutes later, at 12:20 p.m., additional crews responded to a second fire on the 2300 block of Appleton Drive, where an agricultural burn was threatening to cross 24 Road and endanger multiple structures.
GJFD deployed multiple brush trucks, designed for maneuvering over uneven terrain, along with structural firefighting engines to combat the fires. Firefighters worked to determine the best access points and establish priority areas for containment, focusing on locations where the fire posed the greatest threat to homes and infrastructure. Changing wind conditions required crews to adapt quickly to ensure containment and minimize damage.
This response marked a significant milestone for GJFD, as it was the first wildland fire incident where the department utilized a drone to provide real-time situational awareness. The drone relayed critical information, helping crews track fire movement and adjust tactics accordingly.
One individual sustained burn injuries to the legs and was transported by ambulance for medical treatment.
Safe Agricultural Burning Practices
To prevent similar incidents, GJFD urges the community to follow these guidelines for safe agricultural burning:
- Check local regulations and obtain permits: Always purchase and read a burn permit before burning and ensure compliance with all burn restrictions.
- Monitor weather conditions: Avoid burning on dry, windy days, as fire can spread rapidly and become uncontrollable. Never burn during Red Flag Warnings.
- Have suppression tools ready: Keep water sources, and hand tools readily available to manage flare-ups.
- Maintain supervision: Never leave a fire unattended and ensure responsible monitoring until the fire is fully extinguished.
- Create defensible space: Clear flammable materials and maintain a safe buffer zone around the burn site.
By adhering to these safety measures, you can help reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildland fires and protect lives and property.
Photos by Kaila C. via Facebook.