Leroux Fire 2025

At approximately 2:30 PM on Sunday, August 3rd, a smoke report was called in to Delta Dispatch in the area of Oak Mesa outside of Hotchkiss, Colorado. What had been originally reported as a single tree fire was discovered to be over an acre in size by the local fire agency, located in steep, remote terrain with dangerous conditions for engagement. It was determined to be on BLM land and command was handed over to the agency when they arrived on scene. 

Fire behavior was extreme through the morning of August 4th and evacuations were ordered by Delta County Sheriff's Office at approximately 2:30 AM in the area along 3100 Road north of the Redlands Mesa Road intersection. 

The fire was very active during the day on Monday, fueled by Red Flag conditions. Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and heavy equipment operators on the ground coupled with multiple aerial resources applying water and retardant for most of the day on Monday, August 4th, growth of the fire was slowed and the fire behavior was reduced to a level at which firefighters were able to engage it directly by the end of shift. Team Colorado, a State Type 3 IMT, took command of the fire on Tuesday, August 5 at 6 AM. 

Command of the Leroux Fire was transferred back to the BLM Southwest District Fire Management Unit at 6:30 AM on Saturday, August 9. It was declared contained on August 12 and suppression repair efforts were completed on August 17th.