News Summary
The Garfield Re-2 School District in Grand Junction, Colorado, has delayed the start of the school year to prioritize the safety of students and staff amid ongoing wildfires. As wildfires increase air quality concerns and create communication disruptions, all school activities scheduled for the early part of the week have been canceled. Parents will receive updates regarding the school schedule as the district navigates through this challenging situation caused by the wildfires.
Grand Junction, Colorado: Garfield Re-2 School District Delays School Year Start Due to Wildfires
The Garfield Re-2 School District in Grand Junction, Colorado, has announced a delay in the start of the school year, moving the date to Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This decision is a direct result of the ongoing wildfires in Colorado, specifically the Elk and Lee wildfires that are currently affecting the region.
In light of the situation, all school and athletic practices planned for Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, have been canceled. The district has prioritized the safety and well-being of students and staff, as communication disruptions and deteriorating air quality due to smoke from the fires continue to pose significant concerns.
Current Wildfire Status
The Turner Gulch Fire, which ignited due to lightning on July 10, 2025, is located near Gateway, Colorado. As of August 11, 2025, it has burned approximately 28,569 acres and is currently 49% contained. Firefighters are actively employing both aerial and ground-based suppression tactics to manage this blaze.
There are mandatory evacuation orders in effect for the Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground Evacuation Zones, while the Ute Creek and Cold Springs Zones remain under a pre-evacuation status. The local government in Mesa County has declared a local disaster emergency to enhance response efforts and secure additional resources to battle the wildfires effectively.
Impacts of the Lee Fire
The Lee Fire, which began on August 2, 2025, has resulted in a devastating burn area of over 106,700 acres with only 6% containment. The cause of this fire has not yet been determined, but it is believed to have been sparked by lightning strikes. In a precautionary measure, inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center were evacuated due to the fire’s rapid expansion.
In response to the extreme conditions, fire restrictions have been implemented across Mesa County. Communities are facing evacuation orders, and air quality warnings have been issued due to the considerable smoke generated by the wildfires.
Community Communication and Updates
Parents and guardians within the Garfield Re-2 School District will be updated about any future changes to the school schedule by Tuesday, August 12, at 5 p.m.. The district is committed to maintaining clear communication with families during this challenging time.
Background on Wildfires in Colorado
Wildfires in Colorado have become increasingly frequent and severe in recent years due to varying factors, including climate conditions and human activity. The current situation highlights the risks associated with these wildfires, affecting not only local residents but also the broader community and state emergency response efforts. Authorities across Colorado are closely monitoring multiple fires and have emphasized the need for vigilance as fire risks remain high.
As the Garfield Re-2 School District adapts to the ongoing wildfire crisis, the health and safety of its students and staff remain the top priority. Further updates regarding the return to classes will be issued as circumstances evolve.
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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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