Gov. Polis: Grizzly Creek Fire is top priority in the U.S.

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Friday morning, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced the Grizzly Creek fire burning near Glenwood Springs has become the "top fire priority in the nation right now."

Polis is visiting the Western side of the state today to get a first hand-look at the incident command centers and the firefighters on the frontlines.

"Literally this fire is right on Highway 70, right on it and in several places. The highway cannot reopen until 24 hours after the fire has moved away," the governor explained.

Another concern for the area is the famous tourist attraction, Hanging Lake.

"Right now we don't know this position of Hanging Lake. We know there was fire around it. We hope to get up and take a look at it today," explained Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor for the White River National Forest.

The Grizzly Creek Fire has burned 13,441 acres with more than 350 personnel helping fight it.