Fire Update: Jolley Mesa Fire grows slightly

SILT, Colo.— The Jolley Mesa Fire has grown to 640 acres as of 2 p.m. Friday. A Type II Incident Command Team, I.C. Reid, is currently transitioning to assume command at 0600 Saturday. The fire is located about half-way between Silt and New Castle, Colo., south of Interstate 70 and the Colorado River, and burning in pinyon-juniper and grass fuels.

“More hot and dry weather with light winds is forecast for the area,” Fire Management Officer Lee Rickard said. “We’re working hard to build lines around the fire, and the lighter winds today have been a big help.”

Resources fighting the fire include two heavy air tankers, a single engine air tanker (SEAT), a lead plane, local Upper Colorado River (UCR) helicopter, three engines and over 100 firefighters. The fire remains at 25 percent contained.

Several residences are in the area but are not immediately threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation. For the latest information on the Jolley Mesa Fire, the public can call (970) 947-2825.

-BLM-

Editor’s Note: David Boyd is unavailable due to a family emergency. Please check the hotline mentioned above or contact Mel Lloyd as the interim PIO. (A Type II PIO will be transitioning in effective 6 a.m., Saturday, June 24.)