The forest closure in Mesa County has been expanded due to the Turner Gulch Wildfire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The Turner Gulch Fire near Gateway has reached 15,286 acres as of Friday afternoon, but firefighting personnel have contained 34% of the blaze.

The Turner Gulch fire burning southwest of Grand Junction in Mesa County exploded late Monday night and early Tuesday, racing across 7,000 acres in a matter of hours and forcing new evacuations, according to fire officials.

On Friday, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests announced an immediate expansion to the forest closure area at the northern end of the

The Turner Gulch Fire has reached 15,286 acres with 34% containment, while the Write Draw fire remains at 448 acres and 0% contained, according to fire officials.

The Turner Gulch and Wright Draw Fires are being worked on by the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team One, who took over efforts on the fires on July 15. Those with the team said the efforts have been going well, calling them a combination of ground firefighting and aerial resources.

Afternoon thunderstorms on the Western Slope have fanned the flames with gusty winds. Meaningful rain isn’t expected until Friday.