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Skipper Island Fire continues to burn near Fruita

The Skipper Island Fire is still actively burning south of I-70 and north of the Colorado River in Mesa County.
Credit: Colorado State Patrol

FRUITA — The Mesa County Sheriff's Office says the Skipper Island Fire near Fruita is still an active wildfire.

Colorado State Patrol had to close Interstate 70 again Friday morning when winds flared up near the interstate. Interstate 70 is now back open as of 8:30 a.m. Friday.

The fire on the north side of I-70 is 90% contained and the fire on the south side of I-70 is 30% contained, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office said Friday morning.

No homes are being threatened and no evacuations are expected.

The Skipper Island Fire has burned 50 acres as of Thursday night and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office says the fire has grown since then.

Air drops are expected to begin at 9 a.m, but strong winds will again pose a challenge for firefighters.

Crews from the Mesa County Sheriff Wildland Fire Team, Lower Valley Fire District, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Grand Junction Fire Department, De Beque Fire Department and Palisade Fire Department will be fighting the fire on Friday.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office will be updating their blog with the latest fire information.

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