310 Fire prompts evacuations near Parachute as acreage estimates top 300 acres

Garfield County officials ordered evacuations Thursday along parts of County Road 338 near Parachute as the 310 Fire grew to estimates of 322 to 332.5 acres near Morrisania Mesa, according to a Colorado emergency-management notice relaying a Garfield County 911 warning and local reports.

The County Road 338 areas with a “Go” status were under an order to leave immediately. As of 3:29 p.m. MDT, the 3,000 block of County Road 301 through County Road 302 had a “Set” status, while the 3,600 through 6,000 blocks of County Road 301 were listed as “Ready.” KJCT8 reported that the County Road 338 evacuations began about 1:45 p.m. MDT.

The fire was reported between 12:42 and 12:45 p.m. near County Roads 310 and 338, north of Parachute and near Battlement Mesa. County Roads 310 and 338 were closed at County Road 301, Aspen Public Radio reported.

Evacuees were directed to the Parachute Rodeo Grounds, also called the Cottonwood Rodeo Grounds in one report. Grand Valley Fire Protection District was responding, and Colorado River Fire Rescue sent two structure engines and a water tender for mutual aid, according to Aspen Public Radio. Reports also described helicopters and air tankers in use, based on secondary tracking information.

The acreage estimate rose from about 60 acres to 90 acres and then more than 300 acres. KJCT8 reported 332.5 acres at 4:35 p.m. MDT, while the Post Independent reported 322 acres. The available records did not resolve the discrepancy.

As of the latest available reports, no verified containment percentage, threatened-structure count, property damage, injuries or cause had been reported. Garfield County’s official emergency-operations page showed no later 310 Fire update or evacuation-lift notice as of 7:17 p.m. MDT Thursday. Residents should follow the latest instructions from county emergency officials and leave immediately if directed; those in Ready areas should monitor alerts and prepare to evacuate.