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Pine Gulch Fire Grows To 85,400+ Acres As Fire Burns 'Drainage' Fuel

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4) - Fire officials at the Pine Gulch Fire burning near Grand Junction say it's grown again. It is now 85,407 acres with 7% containment.

Dry fuel in "drainages" are creating significant fire behavior. Officials say Monday was an opportune day for crews to gain some control. Large smoke columns were a result of that activity.

pine gulch fire (inciweb)
Pine Gulch Fire (credit: Inciweb)

As high temperatures hit the mid-90s on Monday, firefighters experienced wind from the north with gusts up to 14 mph.

Pine Gulch Fire 1 (South Metro Fire tweet)
(credit: South Metro Fire)

Some roads are closed and evacuations are in place for several homes. A virtual community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday.

Pine Gulch Fire 3 (South Metro Fire tweet)
(credit: South Metro Fire)

The fire, started by lightning on July 31, is burning about 18 miles north of Grand Junction. More than 800 people are helping fight the fire.

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