How to Help the Firefighters Battling Western Colorado’s Wildfires

The summer of 2025 will be one that Western Colorado's firefighters, first responders, and Rocky Mountain Incident Management Teams will not forget any time soon.

Crews from the Western Slope, from around Colorado, and from around the country have come to the Centennial State to battle fires at the South Rim, at Deer Creek, at Turner Gulch, and the Wright Draw wildfire. Many from Grand Junction to Montrose are asking how our communities can thank all these responders. Keep scrolling to find out how.

The Fires Burning Across Western Colorado

• Deer Creek Fire (at the Colorado/Utah state line): 17,304 acres. 77% contained. Thanks to strong suppression efforts, the Manti-La Sal National Forest now allows entry on the west side of the fire and in parts of the lower Two-Mile area.
• Turner Gulch Fire (Unaweep Canyon): 16,851 acres. 37% contained. CDOT has reopened Highway 141 in both directions from Gateway to Whitewater. Private Lands along Highway 141 have been released from Pre-Evacuation Status.
• Wright Draw Fire (Unaweep Canyon): 466 acres. 77% contained. The west side of the Wright Draw fire has been contained. Select crews are being sent to other fires.
• South Rim Fire (Black Canyon): 4,220 acres. 31% contained. Colorado Highway 347 from U.S. Highway 50 is open to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park South Rim Entrance Station. The Park remains closed.
• Sowbelly Fire (Escalante Canyon): 2,274 acres. 83% contained. The closure on 650 Road has been moved to the intersection of 36 4/10 Escalante Fork and ZS so the public can once again access the Potholes Recreation Area.

Read More: Summer Helicopters Over Colorado: What You Need To Know

Why Supporting Firefighters Matters

Firefighters, first responders, and support crews working on the Turner Gulch and Wright Draw fires created a small tent city near a staging area. These brave individuals battle wildfires in near triple-digit heat only to sleep in a tent for a few hours, then go right back to work. They are amazing people. How can we show our support?

• The Mesa County Sheriff's Office recommends that the public continue to make signs and banners that can be displayed at area basecamps and staging areas.
• Supporting organizations like the Wildland Firefighter Foundation directly helps wildland firefighters like the ones working in Western Colorado.
• The Colorado State Firefighters Foundation supports the families of injured or fallen firefighters and first responders in Colorado.
• The Colorado Professional Firefighters Foundation takes care of Colorado firefighters, their families, and dependents who are victims of tragedy.

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How You Can Help Colorado's Firefighters

(Above) A spare firetruck from Montrose fills up with water in Glade Park to help fight the wildfire in Unaweep Canyon. Everyone is truly pitching in.

We can give back to those helping in Western Colorado by donating to the vetted organizations listed above. Volunteer in a safe capacity, such as joining a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Contact the Mesa County Emergency Services Division at 970-244-1763 for information.

In addition to all these ideas, and perhaps most importantly, find a way to publicly thank these brave men and women who have saved our beautiful Western Slope from further fire damage. Thank them online, say thank you in person, or share this article with a friend to spread the word.