Galeton Elementary School in Weld County is closed Monday as a precaution following an “incident at an oil and gas facility.” The facility is south of WCR 74. The Galeton Fire Protection District was notified around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday and evacuated residents within a half-mile radius of WCR 72 and WCR 51. Galeton Elementary School sits just on the edge of the evacuation zone. The GFPD said approximately 12 people have been impacted by the evacuation.
As of the latest update made on Monday morning, the evacuation order remains in effect. Road closures extend beyond the evacuation zone so response crews have access to the area. Local authorities have announced the activation of the Weld County Joint Information Center to support communication efforts.
GFPD said people can contact 970-400-4210 to hear a recording of the most current information. The phone number for the JIC is 970-400-4264. Meanwhile, the latest updates will be posted on the GFPD Facebook page and the Weld County X page.
Residents have been asked to refrain from ditch burning until further notice. Local roads outside of the evacuation zone can still be accessed by local traffic. The GFPD statement said,= “Galeton Fire; Colorado State Patrol; Weld County Sheriff’s Deputies, Office of Emergency Management, Public Works; Eaton Fire; and Greeley Fire HazMat are on site assisting.”
