This is the Denver7 breaking and developing news blog. Throughout the day, this story will be updated with both minor and large breaking news events that our readers care about. Check back as we continue to update this story.
7:24 p.m.: Police are conducting a death investigation in the area of 37th Avenue and Elizabeth Street, Denver Police say. One victim has been pronounced deceased.
#DPD officers are conducting a death investigation in the area of 37th Ave & Elizabeth St. One victim pronounced deceased. pic.twitter.com/kYoegI6nGh
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) April 20, 2018
5:31 p.m.: Westbound I-70 between Loma and Fruita has been reopened in Mesa County, the CSP Fruita division says.
Interstate 70 WESTBOUND between Loma and Fruita is re-openedTraffic is just starting to roll right now but there still heavy smoke in the area please proceed cautiously in the area west of Fruita Eastbound traffic remains redirected onto Highway 6
— CSP Fruita (@CSP_Fruita) April 19, 2018
4:42 p.m.: The fire, now dubbed the Skipper Island Fire, has burned 30 to 50 acres, according to CDOT officials. Officials suggest you use Highway 6 and 50 as alternative routes.
Per Mesa Co Sheriff: #SkipperIslandFire has burned 30-50 acres. I-70 CLOSED from Fruita to Loma, both directions. Use Hwy 6&50 as an alternative. Avoid I-70 near Fruita. No structures are being threatened. https://t.co/WmfB8E4y9f
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 19, 2018
2:11 p.m.: Westbound I-70 is being closed at Fruita and eastbound I-70 is being closed at Loma due to a brush fire that has recently jumped the road at about mile post 17.2, the Colorado State Patrol Fruita division says.
I-70: Road closed between Exit 15 - CO 139; Loma; Rangley and Exit 19 - CO 340; Fruita (near Fruita). UPDATE: Closed due to wildfire. No estimated time of reopening. Alternate route use US 50 and US 6
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 19, 2018
I-70 CLOSED (at Loma and Fruita) #IslandSkipperFire #MesaCounty #GrandJunction #LomaCO #FruitaCO Motorists are urged to drive with caution and be aware of possible high winds and potential poor visibility. ALT RT: US 50 & US 6. pic.twitter.com/HMwdoZloUx
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 19, 2018
