HOTCHKISS, Colo. — Firefighters in Hotchkiss knocked down a fast-moving ditch fire along Highway 92 over the weekend, keeping flames from jumping into nearby fields and homes.
The blaze broke out Saturday afternoon near the intersection of Highway 92 and 3300 Road, fueled by bone-dry grass and brush after weeks of triple-digit heat across the North Fork Valley.
Quick Response Saves the Day
Hotchkiss Fire Protection District rolled out engines and water tenders within minutes of the first 911 calls. Crews found flames racing along the roadside ditch with strong winds pushing embers toward orchards and ranches just yards away.
“One more minute and this thing would have been in the alfalfa fields,” said Assistant Chief Ryan Overturf. “Our guys hit it hard and got a knockdown in under 15 minutes.”
By 3:30 p.m., the fire was fully out and Highway 92 reopened to traffic. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.
Cigarette Likely Sparked the Fire
Investigators believe a tossed cigarette started the blaze. The exact spot sits in a curve where drivers often flick butts out windows.
This marks the third roadside fire in Delta County in just eight days, all tied to smoking materials or dragging trailer chains.
Local fire officials issued a sharp reminder Sunday:
- Never throw cigarettes out the window
- Avoid parking on dry grass; hot catalytic converters can ignite vegetation in seconds
- Secure safety chains so they don’t drag and throw sparks
- Pull over only in cleared areas if your vehicle is smoking or overheating
Red Flag Warning Still in Effect
The National Weather Service has kept Delta County under a Red Flag Warning through Tuesday evening. Humidity levels are sitting below 10 percent with gusts up to 30 mph expected again Monday afternoon.
Fire danger remains “extreme” across western Colorado. Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place in Delta, Montrose, and Gunnison counties. That means no open fires of any kind, including charcoal grills and agricultural burning.
Community Steps Up
Residents along 3300 Road brought cold water and Gatorade to the crews working in 98-degree heat. One rancher even used his tractor to cut a quick fire break when flames got within 50 feet of his hay stacks.
“That’s just how we do it here,” Overturf said. “Neighbors helping neighbors before things get out of hand.”
The Hotchkiss Fire District has answered 47 wildland or vegetation fires since June 1 — more than double the number from last summer.
Firefighters are asking everyone to stay extra careful over the next week as the heat wave continues and no meaningful rain is in the forecast.
If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately. A quick report can save an entire valley.
What do you think — is it time for a statewide smoking-while-driving ban during fire season? Drop your thoughts below and share this story with #HotchkissFire if you’re talking about it on social media.
