For the first time, the United States Forest Service authorized the use of N95 respirators for federal wildland firefighters.

Nathan Matthews had been hospitalized since he was caught in a burnover on June 27.

Interstate 70 reopened in both directions between Silt and New Castle on Wednesday evening, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides throughout the lower Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado River Valleys Monday evening.

Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson were killed battling the Snyder Fire.

The wildland firefighters were involved in a burnover incident and deployed their shelters, according to a press release from the U.S. Dept. of the Interior.

A fire that began on Tuesday and grew to 316 acres south of Rifle near Grass Mesa was contained on Friday.

Garfield County’s longtime sheriff, Lou Vallario, is stepping down at the end of this year, and two Republican candidates — Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Lt. Brent Baker and Eagle County Undersheriff Dan Loya — are competing to take over his position in the June 30 primary election.

The two Democratic candidates for Eagle County Sheriff agree that the agency lacks structure, but they differ on the details. The winner of the Democratic primary on June 30 will face incumbent Republican James Van Beek in the General Election on Nov. 3.

All evacuations have been lifted related to the Willow Fire in north Rifle, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. The 10 acre fire damaged an eight-unit apartment building, which is believed to be a total loss.

Firefighters continued making progress on the 20-acre fire east of Ruedi Reservoir Friday, reaching 40% containment. A road closure remains for the general public.