News Summary
The Garfield Re-2 School District in Grand Junction has postponed the start of the school year to August 13 due to ongoing wildfires affecting air quality and communication. All school and athletic practices scheduled for the prior dates have been canceled to ensure safety. Families will receive updates regarding any changes by August 12. Multiple wildfires, including the Turner Gulch and Lee fires, are impacting the region, leading to evacuations and air quality warnings that may further disrupt school activities.
Grand Junction, Colorado – The Garfield Re-2 School District has announced a delay in the start of the school year, which is now set to begin on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This decision comes in response to the ongoing Elk and Lee wildfires currently burning in the region, causing air quality concerns and interruptions in communication with schools within the district.
As a result of the situation, all school and athletic practices scheduled for Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, have been canceled. This precautionary measure has been taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid hazardous conditions caused by the wildfires.
Parents and guardians of students in the Garfield Re-2 School District will receive updates regarding any changes to the school schedule by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12. The district is committed to keeping families informed during this challenging time as it navigates the effects of the wildfires.
Wildfire Overview
The Turner Gulch Fire, located near Gateway, Colorado, has consumed approximately 28,569 acres and is currently 49% contained as of August 11, 2025. Firefighters are employing both aerial and ground-based suppression efforts to manage the blaze, which was ignited by lightning on July 10, 2025.
In addition, the Lee Fire, which began burning on August 2, 2025, has spread over 106,700 acres and is only 6% contained at this time. Preliminary investigations suggest that the Lee Fire might have also been sparked by lightning, though the cause remains officially undetermined.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
In light of the wildfire threats, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for residents within the Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground evacuation zones. Meanwhile, areas designated as Ute Creek and Cold Springs are currently under a pre-evacuation status, meaning residents should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
To facilitate emergency response and resource acquisition, Mesa County has declared a local disaster emergency. In tandem, fire restrictions are enforced across the county due to the extreme risk of fire in the area.
As a safety precaution, inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center were evacuated due to the unpredictable growth of the Lee Fire. The decision was made to ensure the safety of those incarcerated in light of the rapidly evolving situation.
Air Quality Concerns
The wildfires have also raised serious concerns about air quality in the surrounding areas. Smoke from the fires presents health risks, leading to warnings for residents to avoid outdoor activities when possible. These air quality concerns may necessitate further adjustments to school and district activities as the situation continues to develop.
Status of Wildfire Management
Firefighters are actively managing multiple wildfires across Colorado, with efforts focused on strengthening containment lines and protecting communities. Weekend weather conditions may assist in firefighting efforts, but the unpredictability of wildfire behavior remains a critical factor to monitor.
As the Garfield Re-2 School District navigates these challenges, the priority remains the safety of students and staff members. The district will continue to communicate effectively with the community, ensuring that all parents and guardians are kept well-informed of developments related to the school year and the wildfires.
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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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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
