A brush fire was reported about 5:33 p.m. near the Dos Rios splash pad and bike park at 2591 Dos Rios Drive.
Radio traffic described flames directly south of the playground, visible from the bike park, burning in heavy brush with a rapid rate of spread. Callers estimated the fire at roughly 50 by 50 feet. Crews arriving on scene are reporting the fire appears to be south of river, possibly on an island.
Update: Callers are reporting seeing individuals starting fires on the island. Law enforcement is now in the area attempting to make contact with suspects.
Update 7:05 p.m.: BLM crews are assisting Grand Junction Fire Department crews. A helicopter is dropping water on areas that are too far away from fire engines to extinguish using a hose.
Update 9:00 p.m: Firefighting aircraft from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) have concluded their aerial operations, and ground personnel will remain on the scene overnight to ensure the fire does not grow.
Details are based on live scanner traffic and may change as official information is released.
Photos courtesy of Stokes
Photos by Grand Junction Fire Department
Photo by Facebook follower
Two helicopters working the fire