Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year

News Summary

The Garfield Re-2 School District has announced a delay to the start of the school year due to ongoing wildfires affecting the region. Classes will now begin on August 13. In addition, all school and athletic practices for August 11 and 12 have been canceled. Local officials have declared a disaster emergency as fires, including the Turner Gulch Fire and the Lee Fire, threaten communities and air quality deteriorates, urging residents to stay vigilant.

Grand Junction, Colorado — The Garfield Re-2 School District has announced a delay to the start of the school year, pushing the beginning date to Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This decision comes in response to ongoing wildfires, specifically the Elk and Lee wildfires, affecting the surrounding areas, particularly in and around Meeker, Colorado.

All school and athletic practices have also been canceled for Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12. In light of these conditions, parents and guardians are advised that any further updates regarding the status of the school year will be communicated by Tuesday, August 12, at 5 p.m., allowing families to remain informed as the situation develops.

Wildfire Impact and Responses

The ongoing Turner Gulch Fire, located near Gateway, has burned approximately 28,569 acres and is currently reported to be 49% contained as of August 11, 2025. Fire suppression efforts are underway, with both aerial and ground units actively engaged in tackling the blaze that was sparked by lightning on July 10, 2025. In conjunction with this effort, mandatory evacuation orders are in place for the Big Creek and Divide Forks Campground Evacuation Zones. Additionally, areas such as Ute Creek and Cold Springs are under pre-evacuation status as the situation remains fluid.

The Lee Fire has compounded concerns in the region, having ignited on August 2, 2025. It has already consumed over 106,700 acres but is currently only 6% contained. The cause of the Lee Fire has not yet been definitively determined, although it is believed to stem from lightning strikes. Due to its rapid growth, inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Affect on Local Communities

Communities across Mesa County are experiencing significant impacts from the fires, with local officials declaring a disaster emergency to bolster response operations and secure extra resources for firefighting efforts. The extreme fire danger conditions have initiated fire restrictions throughout the county to help mitigate the risk of further fires breaking out.

In addition to immediate safety concerns, residents have been warned about the air quality, which has deteriorated due to smoke from the numerous wildfires affecting Colorado. These health risks have prompted multiple advisories for local communities to remain vigilant as conditions evolve. Residents are urged to use masks or stay indoors if air quality levels drop to unsafe standards.

Colorado’s Wildfire Landscape

The ongoing wildfires across Colorado reflect a broader trend of increased wildfire activity in the region. With changing climate conditions and intensified dry spells, fire season has expanded in both duration and severity. The state is continually monitoring several fires, ensuring that public safety remains a top priority as thousands of acres are affected by these blazes.

As the Garfield Re-2 School District adjusts its academic calendar in light of these environmental challenges, students and families are reminded to pay attention to updates from the district and to prioritize safety in the face of the ongoing wildfire crisis.

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Additional Resources

• IQAir: Turner Gulch Fire Spotlight
• USA Today: Colorado Prison Evacuated
• Denver Post: Colorado Wildfires
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfires
• KJCT8: Lee Fire Latest Updates
• Google Search: Colorado Wildfires