Grizzly Creek Fire in Western Colorado Doubles in Size Overnight

A fire in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, doubled in size overnight to more than 13,000 acres by August 14, leading authorities to shut down part of Interstate 70.

Known as the Grizzly Creek Fire, the blaze threatened areas near Glenwood Springs, spreading along the east and northeast sides of Glenwood Canyon. On Thursday night, the fire grew from 6,251 acres to 13,441 acres.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) shared this video on Thursday, depicting damage from the Grizzly Creek Fire along I-70. The interstate, the main thoroughfare in the Rocky Mountains, remained shut down Friday with no timeline for reopening, as officials expected the fire to continue to spread along the road, reports said.

Fire officials warned North Glenwood Canyon residents to prepare for evacuation as crews battle the fire on the ground and in the air.

Police encouraged drivers to use a CDOT-approved detour rather than attempt to navigate through mountains themselves, reports said.

“We appreciate your patience as this safety closure continues while fire crews and first responders work hard to contain the fire,” CDOT said on Twitter. Credit: Colorado Department of Transportation via Storyful