Now more than ever, be fire-wise Fires are burning all over the region; tragically, three firefighters lost their lives fighting the wildfire blazing on the Mesa County-Utah border. In Ouray County, the ever-growing Gold Mountain Fire has claimed more than 4,200 acres and spurred several evacuation orders/pre-evacuation orders. Today, we remember Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson. These brave people died fighting the Knowles Fire when flames trapped them in a remote area. Two other firefighters were injured. Among the ways to honor their lives, memory and sacrifices is to closely adhere to all fire restrictions. Do not burn anything. Make sure your vehicle isn’t dragging anything beneath it that could generate sparks. Do not smoke outside. Don’t use exploding targets if target shooting. No campfires except within permanently constructed grates or enclosed pits in approved campgrounds. Make sure any campfire is well and truly out before you leave it. For simplicity’s sake: don’t plan on a campfire.
Fire restrictions are in place in unincorporated Montrose County, as well as surrounding counties, and on all area public lands. Again for the sake of simplicity, just assume that wherever you’re going, there is a fire ban. I know that Independence Day weekend is coming up, and we’ve all got big plans — especially since it is our nation’s 250th birthday. Fireworks may have been a centerpiece of your plans, but that is no longer realistic. Nor would it be respectful, as we watch our neighbors in Ouray and parts of Mesa County evacuate for their safety. Or as we consider that three public servants are dead, and two more injured. This is not what I had hoped to write as we head into a holiday weekend that marks a significant milestone for our nation, but we can still show an American spirit of unity by fully supporting all fireworks bans and fire restrictions. Lives depend on it. E pluribus unum — out of many, one.
— Katharhynn, from the Newsroom
(The Gold Mountain Fire burns along a ridge near Ouray. This fire is among many to break out in extremely dry, windy conditions, and is among the factors that postponed the City of Montrose's fireworks display. Courtesy of Mark Rackay, Montrose County Sheriff's Office Posse.)
You can still have fun
Just because Montrose and other municipalities have had to postpone fireworks does not mean there are not fire-safe ways to enjoy the Fourth. Our parade, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, is still a go, so head on down to Main Street, and show your patriotic pride. The city has a full slate of events planned for the day, too, mostly down at Cerise/Riverbottom Park. Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans is hosting a 9 a.m. pancake breakfast at the Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way (East Main Street, roughly across Main from Rose Bowl bowling alley). At the same time, the Montrose Farmers Market opens. Again, parade at 10. Events at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater begin at 11, with family fun activities kicking in at noon. Live music starts at 12:30, followed by a cornhole tournament at 2. Come hear our national anthem at 5:45, then enjoy the first act of the Montrose Summer Music Series concert at 6. The headline band plays at 7:30. More info, and shuttle schedule, at CityofMontrose.org/July4
Delta is also hosting a full day of events on July 4, with Deltarado Days and the Western Colorado Balloon Festival. Check that out here. (Please note that weather/wind will affect any balloon launches or balloon glows. As well, Delta County has moved into Stage 2 fire restrictions. We are awaiting word as to whether the City of Delta's fireworks show will proceed.)
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