A near 10 acre fire led to the closure of east and west bound I-70 in Eagle County, Colorado, on Wednesday and evacuation orders were issued for the adjacent area. The Red Canyon Fire burned about 4 miles west of Wolcott right along the interstate.
Engines, Air Attack Aircraft, a Type 1 Hotshot Crew, and a Type 1 Helicopter all responded. The Red Canyon Fire did not grow beyond around 10 acres and eastbound and 1 lane of westbound I-70 were reopened by around 7:50pm on June 18th.
Crews continued to make progress throughout the night, performing burnout operations, constructing and securing containment lines, and performing mop-up operations. Fireline containment reached about 80% by around 10am on Thursday, June 19th, and full control is estimated to be at 6pm tonight. The right lane of westboung I70 is still closed for emergency personel safety. More information and updates on the road closures are available here.
The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit received support from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Greater Eagle Fire Protection District, Eagle River Fire Protection District, Eagle Valley Wildland, Vail Fire EMS, Eagle County Emergency Management, Gypsum Fire Protection District, Avon Police Department, Vail Police Department, Colorado Department of Transportation, and the Colorado State Patrol.
