News Summary
The Garfield Re-2 School District in Colorado has postponed the start of the school year to accommodate the impact of local wildfires. Classes are now set to begin on August 13. The wildfires, particularly the Elk and Lee fires, have disrupted communication within the district and raised health concerns due to smoke and poor air quality. Firefighting efforts are ongoing as the situation evolves, with safety measures and precautions being communicated to families and local residents.
Grand Junction, Colorado — The start of the 2025 school year has been postponed in the Garfield Re-2 School District due to ongoing wildfires in the region, primarily the Elk and Lee fires burning near Meeker and Gateway, Colorado.
School Year Delayed to August 13, 2025
The Garfield Re-2 School District announced that classes will now begin on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The delay affects both traditional academic activities and athletic practices, which were canceled on Monday, August 11 and Tuesday, August 12. Families and guardians are being notified that any further updates regarding the start date will be communicated by Tuesday, August 12, at 5 p.m..
Wildfire Impact on Communications and Air Quality
The wildfires have caused disruptions in communication within the district, complicating coordination efforts and emergency responses. Additionally, smoke and poor air quality from the fires have raised health concerns for students, staff, and residents across the region.
Details of the Raging Wildfires
Turner Gulch Fire
The Turner Gulch Fire, located near Gateway, Colorado, has burned approximately 28,569 acres and is currently 49% contained as of August 11, 2025. The fire was ignited by lightning strikes on July 10, 2025. Firefighters are actively engaging in both aerial and ground-based suppression efforts to prevent further growth. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for the Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground districts, while the Ute Creek and Cold Springs zones are under pre-evacuation status to prepare residents for possible evacuations.
Lee Fire
The Lee Fire, which started on August 2, 2025, has expanded rapidly over 106,700 acres and remains only 6% contained. Due to its swift expansion, inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center were evacuated as a precaution. The fire’s exact cause remains under investigation, but it is believed to have been sparked by lightning. The fire poses significant risks to surrounding communities and has led to various air quality warnings across the area.
Local Emergency Measures and Fire Restrictions
In response to the increasing threat, Mesa County has declared a local disaster emergency to enable additional resources and facilitate emergency operations. Fire restrictions continue to be in effect countywide due to extreme fire danger conditions, including bans on outdoor burning and other activities that might ignite new fires.
Broader Wildfire Situation in Colorado
Multiple wildfires are currently monitored across Colorado, with authorities managing several large-scale fires under intense firefighting efforts. Many areas face ongoing evacuation orders and air quality warnings as smoke from these fires affects air travel, health, and daily life. The wildfires’ rapid growth and challenging terrain make containment efforts difficult, and officials are urging residents to stay informed and follow safety advisories.
Background and Context
The wildfires are part of a broader pattern of increasing fire activity in Colorado, driven by dry conditions and high temperatures this summer. Lightning strikes, a common natural ignition source during thunderstorms, have contributed significantly to the recent surge in wildfire outbreaks. Agencies continue to monitor conditions closely and coordinate efforts to protect lives, property, and the environment as fire seasons lengthen and intensify.
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Additional Resources
- IQAir: Turner Gulch Fire Spotlight
- USA Today: Colorado Prison Evacuated
- Denver Post: Colorado Wildfires
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfires
- KJCT8: Lee Fire Latest Updates
- Google Search: Colorado Wildfires
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