GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Amtrak’s California Zephyrs were again detoured through Wyoming on Thursday as traffic remains shut down on Union Pacific’s ex-Denver & Rio Grande line between Denver and Grand Junction, Colo., because of a fire near Glenwood Springs. As of Thursday, UP was reporting the Grizzly Creek Fire was threatening a bridge 9 miles east of Glenwood Springs. Amtrak says in Twitter posts that the westbound and eastbound Zephyrs passing through the area today will again detour, as will the trains leaving Chicago and Emeryville, Calif., today that will reach the area tomorrow.
The Glenwood Springs Post Independent reports the fire grew substantially on Thursday night, and now covers 14,663 with new areas burning on the east and northeast sides of Glenwood Canyon. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Interstate 70, which passes through the canyon along with the railroad tracks, will likely remain closed at least two to three more days.
The fire began Monday, shutting down the rail line. Amtrak trains have been cancelled or rerouted around the fire since.
— Updated at 10:45 a.m. Friday with Amtrak detours continuing on Saturday.
