DELTA COUNTY, Colo. — July 11, 2025 — The lightning-sparked Sowbelly Fire that ignited Thursday in Mesa County and pushed northeast into Delta and Montrose counties has expanded rapidly to an estimated 2,192 acres and remains 0 percent contained. The blaze is burning in pinyon-juniper fuels along Tatum Ridge above Escalante Canyon Road in the southwest corner of Delta County, producing a prominent smoke column visible from U.S. 50 between Grand Junction and Olathe.
Evacuation status
- Pre-evacuation notices are in effect for residents and property owners down Escalante Canyon, especially those beyond the “Pot Holes” recreation area in Montrose and Mesa counties. Deputies have advised anyone camping in the canyon to relocate closer to Highway 50 due to the narrow canyon and limited escape routes.
- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Delta County Sheriff’s Office are using the county alert system and direct notifications to keep the public informed. No formal road closures have been announced, but officials urge the public to avoid Escalante Canyon and surrounding back-country roads to allow fire equipment safe access.
Fire behavior & resources
Hot, dry, and windy afternoon conditions drove significant fire growth on Thursday, and heavy smoke is expected to linger for several days. Crews from the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and local fire districts are on scene with engines, hand crews, and aircraft; additional resources have been ordered as terrain and limited road access hamper suppression efforts.
Cause
Investigators have determined lightning to be the likely ignition source following a series of thunderstorms that crossed western Colorado late Wednesday.
Additional lightning starts
The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit reports roughly 10 new lightning-caused fires across the dispatch area. Notable incidents northeast of Gateway along Highway 141 — Turner Gulch Fire (50–75 acres), Gibbler Gulch Fire (≈0.5 acre), and Wright Draw Fire (15+ acres) — are being attacked with engines and aircraft and remain far smaller than Sowbelly at this time.
Public safety & smoke precautions
Residents with heart or respiratory conditions should keep windows closed and use filtered cooling systems where possible. Anyone traveling between Delta and Grand Junction should be prepared for reduced visibility and the presence of firefighting equipment along U.S. 50.
Fire managers emphasize that conditions can change quickly; those in pre-evacuation areas should have a go-kit, confirm evacuation routes, and monitor official alerts. Further updates will be issued through InciWeb and county emergency channels as crews work toward containment.