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Residents near Sunrise Court fire allowed to return to homes Wednesday night

A wild fire broke out on the hillside above the Glenwood Springs Airport, burning toward the Four Mile Ranch subdivision.
Chelsea Self/Post Independent

Wednesday’s brush fire that broke out near Four Mile Ranch grew to nearly 15-20 acres in size but did not damage any structures, according to a city press release.

Fire crews work to battle a brush fire that broke out along the hillside just south of the Glenwood Springs Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent

However, by late evening firefighters had the blaze under control and previously evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes Wednesday night.

“Only local residents will be allowed in the subdivision until the fire is out,” the city’s press release stated. “Prehm Ranch Road is also closed to traffic other than residents. The public is asked to avoid the area to allow firefighters room to work.”



Fire crews work to battle a brush fire that broke out along the hillside just south of the Glenwood Springs Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent

Upon arrival around 2:45 p.m., firefighters found heavy smoke and flames moving quickly through the brush in the area. Firefighters on scene worked to protect homes as the flames approached.

The cause of the fire is unknown, and it will be investigated by the Garfield County Fire Investigation team, in conjunction with Glenwood Springs Fire Department.



According to the city’s release, 45 firefighters and 17 fire apparatus from Glenwood Springs Fire Department and other fire agencies responded to the fire. A helicopter dropped buckets over the fire, with two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) each dropping two loads of retardant.

Fire officials expected some flare ups during the night, so crews were set to patrol the area overnight. A hand crew is expected to arrive Thursday morning to work on the fire line.

The Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control Multi-Mission Aircraft was to fly over the fire to determine the fire perimeter and accurate size of the fire.

A brush fire works its way up the hill just south of the Glenwood Springs Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent file
Fire crews work to battle a brush fire that broke out along the hillside just south of the Glenwood Springs Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent

“Keeping the public safe and protecting homes is our number one priority. The residents in Four Mile Ranch subdivision evacuated quickly, allowing firefighters to access the fire sooner,” said Battalion Chief Doug Gerrald. “Glenwood Springs firefighters, along with our partners at other Roaring Fork Valley fire departments and law enforcement agencies, worked hard to prevent any injuries or loss of property at the Sunrise Court Fire.”


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