Single Publication

Size: 183 acres   Containment: 20%

Approximately 100 personnel from multiple agencies are now assigned to the Currant Creek Fire, and crews are making good progress toward containment. Fire managers announced this evening that they have achieved 20% containment and that there continues to be no new growth on the fire. 

After consultation with fire management personnel and the continued increasing stability of the incident; Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor has lifted the pre-evacuation status for all residents on Redlands Mesa and upper Leroux Creek effective 7:00 pm, July 30th with the exception of homes/cabins that are located north of or within the active fire perimeter on Currant Creek Road. 

Homes/structures located within the fire perimeter remain under evacuation notice due to their proximity to the fire. Fire managers were able to confirm this evening that none of these structures have been damaged by the fire. Three homes and five residents have been evacuated since Saturday afternoon due to the fire being in close proximity to their homes on Currant Creek. The American Red Cross and Delta County Human Services have been working with these displaced residents to ensure they have temporary housing, food, and supplies including food and shelter for their displaced pets.  Fire crews have been actively engaged in structure protection the past two days to ensure these affected homes are protected against fire embers.

To aid firefighters with the mop up process, a helicopter flew sling loads of blivets to the fire today. A blivet is a water bag that can be placed on rough terrain and allows water to be gravity-fed through a firehose. Blivets are sometimes the only water source available in dry areas like this.  A bulldozer was also brought in today to build a containment line across the ridge to connect the numerous fingers reaching up to the ridgeline. Fire managers are finalizing contingency plans in the event that fire crosses the ridge into the Dry Creek drainage.

The effort to contain this fire has been an exemplary example of interagency coordination and cooperation. Firefighters, fire managers, and other personnel from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; have come together to assist Delta County and local fire protection districts in managing this fire and preventing its spread. Some fire crews have traveled from as far away as California.

Due to high temperatures, low humidity levels, low fuel moisture levels, shortages of fire suppression resources, the active Currant Creek fire and potential for future fires which could severely impact resources and impact public safety; Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, on July 30, 2024, at 12:01 AM. Please refer to the Delta County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and the Delta County Website for details on what is and is not allowed under Stage 1 restrictions in Unincorporated Delta County, including State lands. If you live in City/Town limits, please check with your local police department or Town Hall to confirm if they have adopted County restrictions or have their own fire restrictions. For restrictions on the U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests and Bureau of Land Management lands, please refer to the West Slope Fire Info website.

Please note, Currant Creek Road remains closed to the public at the intersection with Cactus Park Road due to the Currant Creek Fire. Only residents on the lower portions of Currant Creek Road, south of the fire, will be permitted past the road closure.  We ask that non-residents or anyone wanting to look at the fire please avoid the area. We need to maintain a clear access road for firefighter safety. Drivers are urged to drive slowly on Rimrock Road and Cactus Park Road and watch for emergency vehicles.

Firefighters have a base camp at the Orchard City Town Park in Eckert. Please avoid the areas where the crews have set up so they can get the rest they need to continue working on this fire. Over the past few days, community members have inquired as to how they can help support the fire crews in their efforts on this fire. Please understand the fire crews are self-sufficient and have a dedicated logistics unit providing all the essential equipment and necessary food and refreshments for firefighters. There is no need for community-provided supplies, food, or drink.  If you would like to make a financial contribution to support firefighters, we encourage you to donate directly to your local volunteer fire protection district so funds can be used for training and equipment to help them on the next emergency response!