Grand Junction, Colorado, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The Garfield Re-2 School District has postponed the school year start due to ongoing wildfires, raising safety and air quality concerns. Classes scheduled for August 11 and 12 are canceled. The decision aims to prioritize the safety of students and staff as the region faces severe wildfire challenges, prompting mandatory evacuations. Updates will be provided to parents regarding the situation as it develops.
Grand Junction, Colorado – The Garfield Re-2 School District has postponed the start of the school year until Wednesday, August 13, 2025, due to ongoing wildfires impacting the area. The decision to delay was made in light of safety concerns related to the Elk and Lee wildfires currently burning in Meeker, Colorado, which have raised air quality concerns and disrupted communication channels with the district’s schools.
Classes and athletic practices scheduled for Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, 2025, have been canceled. Parents and guardians will receive updates on any changes regarding the school district’s schedule by Tuesday, August 12, at 5 p.m.
The region is grappling with at least two significant wildfires: the Turner Gulch Fire, which has burned approximately 28,569 acres and is currently 49% contained as of August 11, and the Lee Fire, which has charred over 106,700 acres but remains only 6% contained. The Turner Gulch Fire ignited from a lightning strike on July 10, while the cause of the Lee Fire, which started on August 2, is also believed to be related to lightning. However, the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
In response to the fires’ rapid spread and severe threat to public safety, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground Evacuation Zones. Pre-evacuation notifications have been established for the Ute Creek and Cold Springs Zones. To aid firefighting efforts and ensure community safety, Mesa County has declared a local disaster emergency, which will enable a more coordinated response and facilitate access to additional resources.
Firefighters are combating the flames using both aerial and ground-based suppression methods. The extreme fire danger across Mesa County has prompted ongoing fire restrictions to mitigate risks. As a precautionary measure in light of the Lee Fire’s growth, inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center have been evacuated to secure their safety.
In addition to the wildfires, several areas throughout Colorado are experiencing evacuation orders and air quality warnings due to smoke, impacting many communities. The Garfield Re-2 School District aims to prioritize the safety of its students and staff during these challenging circumstances, ensuring effective communication will remain a focal point as the situation develops.
The district reminds everyone of the importance of safety during these severe weather conditions and urges the community to adhere to any evacuation orders provided by local authorities. As events unfold, updates will be shared to keep families informed and prepared for the upcoming school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the school year start date delayed?
The start date for the Garfield Re-2 School District was delayed due to ongoing wildfires in the region, which posed safety risks and raised air quality concerns.
What are the current conditions of the wildfires?
As of August 11, 2025, the Turner Gulch Fire is 49% contained and has burned approximately 28,569 acres. The Lee Fire is 6% contained and has burned over 106,700 acres.
Are there evacuation orders in place?
Yes, mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for specific zones, including Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground Evacuation Zones, with other areas under pre-evacuation status.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New School Year Start Date | Wednesday, August 13, 2025 |
| Cancellation Dates | August 11 and 12, 2025 |
| Turner Gulch Fire Area | 28,569 acres, 49% contained |
| Lee Fire Area | 106,700 acres, 6% contained |
| Evacuation Orders | Mandatory for Big Creek and Divide Forks; pre-evacuation for Ute Creek and Cold Springs |
| Emergency Declaration | Mesa County declared local disaster emergency |
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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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