Fire season is already underway as multiple agencies battle the Mile Marker 24 Fire twenty miles east of Meeker. On Tuesday, April 18th, at approximately 2:30pm, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that a private controlled burn had gotten out of control. The fire was spreading towards structures but crews were able to contain it on the south side of the river. It traveled, however, across County Road 8 and continued north onto private land before entering the White River National Forest.On Wednesday, 5 agencies were on scene and the fire was estimated at 70 acres, 50 on private property and 20 acres on National Forest Service. Thirty personnel and five engines were battling the blaze and as of Wednesday, the fire was considered zero percent contained. Afternoon winds also caused the fire to spread. Those traveling County Road 8 are asked to slow down and be watchful for emergency personnel in the area.
