Lower Valley Wildland Fire

Antonio Archuleta Photo ©

At approximately 15:00 on February 8th, 2021 Grand Junction Regional Communication Center dispatched Lower Valley Fire District Brush 32 and Tender 31 to a weed fire behind a home around 1789 10 Rd. near R Rd. Brush 32 arrived on-scene to an approximate 3 acre fire and began fire attack, establishing a working 10 Road command in the offensive strategy. The fire jumped 10 Road to the opposite side of the road and had multiple flanks, prompting additional requests for manpower. Because homes were threatened and the fire was growing, command requested Engine 31 and Brush 31 code 3 to assist. Further updates from GJRCC prompted mutual-aid requests from the Grand Junction Fire Department for a wildland engine and structure engine. East Orchard Mesa Fire Protection District Station 61 offered up resources to respond and sent a chief, brush engine, and tender. Engine 31 arrived and began triage on houses for structure protection. Brush 31 arrived and began fire attack in the north-east flank. Engine 5 arrived and staged for structure protection while Brush 6 tied in with Brush 31. Brush 61 arrived and began working for Engine 31 in the south-west corner of the fire with active flames. The fire was contained at over 5 acres with no structures lost. Engine 5 and Brush 6 were released back home once they ran out of water and finished structure protection. A quick response from both stations attributed to the positive outcome. The cause is unknown, and no injuries were reported. This fire serves as a model of current fuel moistures and how quickly brush can dry out after snow melts.

Units on Scene:

Lower Valley: Brush 32, Tender 31, Brush 31 & Engine 31

Grand Junction: Brush 6 & Engine 5

East Orchard Mesa: Chief 62, Brush 61 & Tender 61