Mesa County declares local disaster emergency in response to Turner Gulch and Wright Draw Fires

Mesa County officials have declared a local disaster emergency to accelerate response efforts and secure additional resources as the Turner Gulch and Wright Draw Fires continue to burn near the town of Gateway.

The Turner Gulch Fire, sparked by lightning on July 10, has grown to an estimated 16,679 acres northeast of Gateway and about 50 miles south of Grand Junction. The Wright Draw Fire has reached 466 acres. The wildfires are burning in steep, rugged terrain and are expected to pose long-term threats to nearby drainages and waterways. Officials are preparing for potential flooding, debris flows, and other hazards resulting from burn scar conditions.

“This declaration ensures we can bring every available tool to bear in protecting public safety and supporting our communities,” said Chair of the Board of Mesa County Commissioners Cody Davis. “It’s critical we take proactive steps to prepare for changing conditions and to address the aftermath as both fires are impacting critical drainages that cross private property and flow into waterways throughout Mesa County.”

The declaration allows Mesa County to:

• Access local, state, and federal emergency funding.
• Implement policies to remove obstacles that could slow response operations.
• Launch emergency watershed protection projects to reduce the risk of flooding and debris flows from the burn area.

Currently, more than 500 personnel are working on the fires. Fire restrictions remain in place across Mesa County. Residents are reminded that severe drought and extreme fire danger continue. Even routine activities can ignite new fires.

The Turner Gulch and Wright Draw Fires remain active, and firefighting crews are working both on the ground and in the air to slow their spread. 

For the latest updates on evacuations, road closures, and containment progress, visit the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office CrimeWatch page.

To view the full disaster declaration, please refer to the July 22 public hearing meeting details. 

To sign up for Emergency Alerts, please visit the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center Emergency and Community Notification System website.