Update, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 189 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.
Evacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been de...
Key takeaway Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 189 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The Dry Creek Fire's growth to 189 acres south of Rifle is a stark reminder of the wildfire danger that exists in neighboring Garfield County, just downstream of Aspen along the Colorado River. While Aspen itself is not currently threatened, the fire's spread and the involvement of multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, underscore the regional nature of wildfire risk in the Rocky Mountains. The fact that gas wells are being shut down due to the fire's proximity also highlights the complex interplay between natural resources, infrastructure, and public safety in the region. As the fire continues to burn, Aspen residents should be aware of the potential for smoke and air quality impacts, even if the fire itself remains distant. The regional emergency response infrastructure, including evacuation protocols and air support, will be closely watched as the situation develops in Garfield County.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Update, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 189 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.
Evacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been de...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Taylor Cramer Follow
tcramer@postindependent.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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