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Firefighting work is intensifying this summer in the difficult East and Williams Fork firefighting areas of 2020.
The two fires burned more than 300 square miles in Grand County. Since then, many roads and trails have been closed for driving and recreation.
Thanks to the efforts of the US Forest Service and other partners, some areas are being opened to non-motor services. Efforts are under way to rehabilitate areas affected by the Williams Fork Fire, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and the Grand County Land Management Office.
As these recovery efforts continue, the Arapaho National Forest Sulfur Ranger District Fire Brigade Update has this week updated some adjustments.
After the fire, many areas became open to the public. Many roads, roads, and bridges are under construction, and the stabilization of the hill is taking place in critical areas. The Ringer District 2022 amended closure order will open many roads and engines to unused services.
While significant relief efforts have been completed on most roads and highways, the Rander District warns the public that dead and burned trees may be very unstable and may fall without warning at any time. Visitors are at greater risk when traveling at high speeds, especially in open vehicles and in burned forests. Burnt areas contain many unseen hazards, such as burning stumps, which can be dangerous for pedestrians.
Closed areas can be prone to flooding, landslides and rocks and falls. In addition, many closed motorcycle lanes have severely damaged infrastructure, such as bridges.
On June 26, torrential rains caused mudslides on a burnt-out area on Granby on Colorado Highway 125. The mud slides blocked both sides of the highway. The dangers of slipping are always present during the summer months.
Scattered camp options remain limited.
Many residents and visitors are looking forward to camping this summer. Scattered camps are allowed within 300 feet of most open roads. However, due to the risk of flooding, landslides, and landslides, there are still open roads for dispersed camps.
Bull Mountain is closed to accommodate workers who are assisting in the recovery of a scattered camp.
The closures are temporary. National forest administrators are working to open all roads to the public. Regularly review closed spaces to provide the right public safety balance and reasonable access.
Williams Fork Fire Closure Area
The following routes and routes remain closed for motor service.:
- Keyser Ridge Road (FSR 140.3) on the way; On neighboring motorcycle roads (M140, M141, M142)
- Kinney Creek Road (FSR 141.1)
Closing area with eastern problem
Camping within a quarter mile of Grand County 125 Highway is prohibited. The following routes and routes remain closed for motor service.
- Interpretation to Bowen Gulch (120.5). The trail itself is open for motor service.
- Grave Road (818.1)
- Soda Pass (M120), Blizzard Pass (M121), Medium Supply (M123), North Supply Loop (M124), Spruce Up Jack (M125), Eagle Perch Overlook (M136)
- Gilsonite Road and Speakers (123.2A, 123.2B, 123.2G)
- Route Creek Road (116)
- Camway (M113), Trail Creek Square (M114), Lower Gilsonit (M115), Beaver Line (M116), Gilsonit II (M118.2)
- Stillwater Summit Rd (815.1), Gilsonite Access Rd (814.1)
- West Steele Road (M25.1), Sherman Creek (M50),
- Kaufman Creek (FSR 121.1)
- Gold Run (190.1)
- Cabin Creek 112 (and all neighboring roads)
- Mulestay (258.1 and spurs)
- Parkview Spur (265.1)
- Parkview (267 and spurs)
