Around 11am on Sunday, Aug. 3, Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) responded to a wildfire in the Missouri Heights area. “Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire burning in grass, pine trees, juniper trees and sage, and spreading at high speed. The brigades immediately began extinction work from the ground, as air resources were deployed to assist,” CRFPD reported.
By 1pm, the fire had grown to around 40 acres and an evacuation order was issued by the Garfield County Sheriff for the Panorama Subdivision and nearby homes.
The Coulter Creek Fire grew to 115 acres Sunday, however all evacuation orders were lifted as firefighters from multiple agencies managed to slow the spread and protect homes.
After monitoring the fire overnight, crews began Monday with a mop-up technique called cold tailing, assuring already burned areas were fully extinguished. No homes were lost and no injuries were reported, but one outbuilding had been destroyed.
“The cause is under investigation by Carbondale Fire’s investigation team, but is not believed to be suspicious,” read a CRFPD press release. It’s suspected that “lightning in the area a few days before the fire started is believed to be the likely cause.”
Firefighters concluded their work on the Coulter Creek Fire Monday afternoon, achieving 100% containment. They will remain vigilant, however, in case of flare-ups.
“This was a true team effort,” said Incident Commander Bill Gavette. “Ground crews worked with air crews attacking the fire from multiple angles. That coordinated response was key to stopping the Coulter Creek Fire.
