Grand Junction, Colorado, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The Garfield Re-2 School District has postponed the start of the school year to address concerns related to ongoing wildfires in the Grand Junction area. With air quality issues and interrupted communication, the decision was made to prioritize safety for students and staff. The Turner Gulch and Lee fires have prompted the cancellations of school practices and led to evacuation orders in affected zones. Parents will receive further updates about changes in the school schedule as the situation develops.
Grand Junction, Colorado – The Garfield Re-2 School District has delayed the start of the school year to Wednesday, August 13, 2025, due to ongoing wildfires in the region. The decision to postpone comes in response to the Elk and Lee wildfires, which have significantly affected the area’s air quality and disrupted communication with schools.
In conjunction with the delayed start, school and athletic practices were canceled for Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Parents and guardians are advised to stay informed and will receive updates regarding the changes in school schedules by Tuesday, August 12, at 5 p.m.
The Turner Gulch Fire, which ignited from lightning on July 10, 2025, has burned approximately 28,569 acres and is currently 49% contained as of August 11, 2025. Firefighters are employing both aerial and ground-based suppression methods to manage this fire. In addition, mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for the Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground Evacuation Zones, while the Ute Creek and Cold Springs Zones are on pre-evacuation status.
Meanwhile, the Lee Fire, which started on August 2, 2025, has caused alarm as it has now burned over 106,700 acres and is only 6% contained. The cause of this fire is still undetermined, although it appears to have been sparked by lightning strikes. As a precautionary measure, inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center were evacuated due to the fire’s rapid expansion.
Mesa County has declared a local disaster emergency which seeks to streamline response operations and secure additional resources in light of the wildfire crisis. As the fires continue to pose a threat, fire restrictions are in place throughout Mesa County due to extreme fire danger conditions.
Over the past few weeks, Colorado has experienced multiple wildfires that prompted many areas to be placed under evacuation and air quality warnings, impacting numerous communities. This situation continues to evolve as authorities monitor the numerous active wildfires across the state.
Background on Garfield Re-2 School District
The Garfield Re-2 School District serves the Grand Junction area and has a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students. The district is actively collaborating with local authorities to address the ongoing wildfires and provide timely updates to families. Ensuring a smooth transition to the school year remains a top priority amidst these challenging circumstances.
Impact of Wildfires
The wildfires have raised significant concerns, particularly regarding air quality and safety within the region. With communication disruptions making it difficult for schools to operate normally, the district took necessary precautions to ensure students and staff remain safe.
Fire Management Efforts
Firefighting teams continue to work tirelessly to contain the wildfires with a combination of aerial and ground support. As the conditions remain volatile, the fire management strategies are continuously adjusted based on the fire’s behavior and growth.
FAQs
Why has the Garfield Re-2 School District delayed the start of the school year?
The school district has delayed the start due to ongoing wildfires, which have raised air quality concerns and disrupted communication with the schools.
What are the names of the active wildfires impacting the area?
The active wildfires include the Turner Gulch Fire and the Lee Fire, both causing significant damage and disruption in Colorado.
When will parents receive updates about the school year start date?
Parents will receive updates on any changes regarding the start of school by Tuesday, August 12, at 5 p.m.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Delayed School Start Date | August 13, 2025 |
| Elk and Lee Wildfires | Hindered communication and raised air quality concerns |
| Turner Gulch Fire Status | 28,569 acres burned, 49% contained |
| Lee Fire Status | 106,700 acres burned, 6% contained |
| Mesa County Emergency | Declared local disaster for resource acquisition |
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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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