GRAND JUNCTION, CO — The Grand Junction Fire Department extinguished an early morning shed fire on Sunday that also led to the discovery and removal of a dangerous smoldering tree.
At approximately 4:02 a.m. on March 15, crews were dispatched to a reported fire in the 950 block of 24 Road. A 911 caller stated that a shed containing dirt bike equipment, including gasoline, was engulfed in flames.
Arriving firefighters quickly extinguished the shed fire, but they soon discovered a large, nearby tree that was smoldering. Fire personnel remained on the scene throughout the night to ensure the fire did not spread. Crews returned later in the morning to safely remove the tree, which still had an active fire burning inside its trunk.
Fire officials noted that this incident highlights a significant danger often encountered in wildland firefighting. These “hazard trees” can appear structurally sound and normal from the outside while a fire continues to burn internally, potentially causing the tree to collapse without warning.
The official origin and cause of the shed fire remain under active investigation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Photo and video by Grand Junction Fire Department