emergency

As Colorado prepares for summer tourism, visitors planning trips to rural communities might assume that if they have a medical emergency, they will receive the same level of emergency care they would at home. However, that's not always the case. Rural communities may lack a hospital or even a fully staffed emergency response team. For example, the rural Hinsdale County Emergency Medical Services recently lost its only paramedic. That's left the county's EMS system in a pinch ahead of its peak tourism season.

Montezuma County officials are hosting a community meeting in Cortez to help residents prepare for wildfire season, covering fire risk, burn restrictions, and home safety tips.

The Stoner Mesa Fire burning in Dolores County has reached nearly 9,900 acres and is 27 percent contained. Crews are battling flare-ups along the western edge as aircraft drop retardant and ground crews strengthen firelines. Evacuation warnings remain in place for parts of County Road 38, nearby campgrounds, and along the Highway 145 corridor. Dry thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to challenge containment efforts through the weekend.

Fire crews strengthen containment and structure protection on the 7,400-acre Stoner Mesa Fire, focusing on communities along County Road 38 and Highway 145.

Fire crews, meteorologists, and officials brief Rico residents on Stoner Mesa Fire status, protection measures, and evacuation readiness.

The Stoner Mesa Fire in Montezuma and Dolores counties grows to 7,123 acres with 0% containment as crews battle wind-driven flames and protect structures.

Evacuations have been canceled as fire crews work on clean-up operations. Restoration plans and efforts are already underway.

Crews make progress on several Four Corners wildfires, but hot, dry weather and wind continue to fuel active fire zones in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.

Firefighters are making progress on the Ute 63 Fire near Redmesa, with over 300 personnel assigned. Containment efforts continue this week.

Delta County has filed a complaint with Colorado's Public Utilities Commission over issues with its 9-1-1 system, affecting nearly 300 calls from June 2024 to March 2025. The problems have since been resolved, but the county awaits CenturyLink's response.