For Immediate Release June 21, 2004
Contact: Steven Hall 970-244-3052

Bull Hill fire burns 60 acres near Gateway

GRAND JUNCTION, CO — Firefighters from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit (UCR) have responded to a June 20 fire near Bull Hill, located four miles east of Gateway, CO.

"Our initial attack caught the fire on the mesa top, but the fire has slopped over into a steep drainage. If we get winds, there’s a lot of potential for spread," UCR West Zone Acting Fire Management Officer Mel Tenneson said.

Three engines, the Craig Hotshots and four smokejumpers were working on the fire, along with one medium helicopter and a Single Engine Air Tanker. The San Juan Hotshots are scheduled to arrive later this morning along with a Juniper Valley hand crew. An additional hand crew is on order.

Today’s weather forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and scattered showers, which should help fire suppression efforts. The Bull Hill Fire is located near last year’s Maverick Fire. Colorado’s Western Slope has experienced numerous lightning wildfire starts in recent days as thunderstorms pass through the area. The cause of the Bull Hill Fire has not been determined.

- BLM -