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Royal Gorge Fire, Update 10:15 p.m.

Organization:

BLM

Media Contact:

Media Information Line
(719) 285-9750

Canon City, Colo. – The Royal Gorge Fire is now estimated at 3,800 acres with 0% containment. Origin of fire was south of the Royal Gorge Bridge Park, which is west of Canon City.

  • Cause is still under investigation
  • Fire is burning on private, state and BLM ground
  • Fuels consist of pinon, juniper and grass
  • At least 3 structures have been lost
  • Fire jumped the Arkansas River canyon, and is within ¼ mile of US Hwy 50 in areas
  • Power outages north of Canon City affecting 350 customers

Overnight objectives:

  • Protect for safety of the public and firefighters
  • Structure protection
  • Critical infrastructure protection
  • Canon City Water plant
  • High-tension power service lines
  • Weather concerns include a predicted Red Flag Warning again for the area Thursday
  • A Type 3 incident fire management team is taking charge, with a Type 2 expected to assume management Wednesday afternoon. Approximately 150 firefighters are on scene with more arrivals expected Wednesday.

Road closures

  • US 50 is closed west of Canon City to Highway 9
  • Alternate routes: Highways 69/96 (Westcliffe) or Highways 9/24

Evacuations: South of US 50 to Canon City; West from the Canon City to Parkdale; East from County Road 3A

  • Red Cross shelter locations for Royal Gorge Fire Evacuation Shelter at Evangelical Free Church, 3000 E. Main St. Canon City, CO
  • Multi-agencies are involved in fighting this fire from local, county, state and federal resources
  • Evacuations, when needed, are conducted door-to-door by law enforcement personnel and by reverse 911. Register your phone to your primary address atwww.fremontco.com and click on the 911 link
  • Private citizens are encouraged to donate to charities such as Care and Share or the Red Cross to help those affected. Though greatly appreciated, firefighters working the lines are taken care of very well with food and drink 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.