News Summary
The Garfield Re-2 School District has postponed the start of the school year due to the ongoing wildfires in the area. Classes will now begin on August 13, with safety as a top priority. All school and athletic practices have been canceled on August 11 and 12. Parents will receive updates regarding the situation as officials monitor the wildfires affecting air quality and communication in the region.
Grand Junction, Colorado – The Garfield Re-2 School District has announced a delay in the start of the school year due to ongoing wildfires impacting the region. Students will now begin classes on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, instead of the originally scheduled date. This decision comes as the Elk and Lee wildfires continue to pose threats in nearby Meeker, disrupting normal operations and raising concerns over air quality.
In tandem with the school year delay, the district has also cancelled all school and athletic practices for Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, 2025. These cancellations aim to prioritize the safety of students and staff amidst the heightened risks presented by the wildfires.
Officials are actively monitoring the wildfire situation which has caused severe communication interruptions with schools within the district. Parents and guardians are advised that any updates regarding the school schedule will be communicated by Tuesday, August 12, at 5 p.m. to ensure families are well-informed of any further changes.
Currently, the Turner Gulch Fire, located near Gateway, Colorado, has burned approximately 28,569 acres and is reported to be 49% contained as of August 11, 2025. Fire suppression efforts involve both aerial and ground resources, concentrating on containment following its ignition by lightning on July 10, 2025.
In addition to the Turner Gulch Fire, the Lee Fire has emerged as a significant concern since it began on August 2, 2025. This fire has escalated rapidly, burning over 106,700 acres but remains only 6% contained. Precautionary measures have led to the evacuation of inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center due to the fire’s swift expansion, which is believed to be lightning-related, although the exact cause is still under investigation.
Mandatory evacuation orders are currently impacting the Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground Evacuation Zones. Meanwhile, residents in Ute Creek and Cold Springs Zones have been placed under pre-evacuation status as a precautionary approach to ensure community safety.
The situation has necessitated Mesa County to declare a local disaster emergency to streamline response operations and secure additional resources for firefighting efforts. Due to the extreme danger of fire conditions across the region, fire restrictions remain firmly in place in Mesa County. Authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining these restrictions to minimize fire risks and protect lives and property.
As the wildfires continue to burn, officials are vigilant in monitoring various areas across Colorado, as multiple wildfires are currently being managed. Residents are advised to stay updated on evacuation orders and air quality warnings due to smoke from the impending fires, which can have harmful effects on health, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The Garfield Re-2 School District is taking every necessary precaution to ensure the safety of its students and staff during this challenging time. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and prepared as firefighting efforts continue and the school board adapts to the changing circumstances brought about by this ongoing crisis.
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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
