Pine Gulch Fire Burning Near Grand Junction Grows To 36,440+ Acres

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4)- The Pine Gulch Fire that was started by lightning last month has grown to more than 36,449 acres and is just 7% contained. The fire has grown so large that an air quality advisory has been issued for Mesa and Garfield counties.

The fire was started by lightning on July 31. It's burning about 18 miles from Grand Junction and is spreading to the northeast.

Residents on CR204/Roan Creek Road, 211/Clear Creek Road, 207/Carr Creek Road & 209/Brush Creek Road have been evacuated, following the Pine Gulch Fire crossing County Road 202.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for a small number of homes on County Roads 200 and 202 on Sunday.

According to the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team, with the high winds added to the already hot and dry conditions, there is a possibility for extreme, wind-driven fire behavior and high rates of spread on Tuesday.