A wildfire in Mesa County had combined with others to the east, tearing through tens of thousands of acres, wildfire authorities said on Sunday.

The Snyder fire, which ignited from lightning on the evening of June 26, had combined with at least two other fires and burned through 28,000 acres, according to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Team. Authorities said the fire is zero percent contained as of 10 a.m.

The development occurred as three firefighters died and two were injured while tackling fires on the Colorado-Utah border. The firefighters had been part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires on Saturday.

The Jones, Knowles and Snyder fires have all merged, according to authorities. Meanwhile, a Red Cross Evacuation center has been set up in Grand Junction.

Authorities have responded to eight confirmed wildfires following lightning strikes on the evening of June 26. Several of these fires were sparked within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.

The Jones Fire ignited 1 mile west of the Utah-Colorado state line and 2 miles from the Colorado River in the McInnis Canyons NCA. The fire was estimated at 20 acres early on Saturday morning. Another fire, the Snyder Mesa, ignited a few miles south.

Tommy Hayes, fire chief at Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit, said Snyder Mesa had burned over 1,000 acres and there was possible danger to structures. Hayes had said there was a possibility that the two fires would merge.

The Lower Valley Fire District advised residents on Saturday to use their air conditioners but to put it on a recirculate setting to “help reduce smoke entering your home.”

The National Weather Service upgraded Sunday’s red-flag warning to “Particularly Dangerous Situation” due to strong winds, low humidity and dry fuel with the potential for rapid fire growth.

“Firefighters are evaluating conditions and determining the safest and most effective suppression tactics,” wrote the Upper Colorado River Interagency Management Team on social media. “Information and updates will be provided as available. A Complex Incident Management Team has been assigned and will assume command of the incident at 6 p.m. this evening.”

All lands within the McInnis Canyons NCA, including north of DS Road and west of 16½ Road, were closed until the fire is contained or the order is rescinded, according to the BLM.

Another fire also ignited in the same storm near Redrock Canyon, 12 miles northeast of Grand Junction on BLM land. The National Interagency Fire Center said on Saturday that the Redrock fire had burned approximately 33 acres.

“Engines, crews and aircraft are all actively engaged in suppression efforts on all incidents,” the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Team said. “Please stay vigilant and avoid any activities that could add to the problem.”