5 wildfires burn across Colorado amid drought
Five wildfires and several prescribed fires are burning across Colorado, with drought conditions on the rise.
With dryness spreading throughout much of Colorado, it’s no surprise wildfire season is lingering a little longer than usual this year. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than two-thirds of Colorado is either abnormally dry or already facing moderate to severe drought conditions. CPR News reports that the entire state is lacking 25% of its normal precipitation.
Here’s a look at the wildfires burning across the state right now.
The Cow Creek Fire started by an unknown cause is burning through a large area within the Uncompahgre Wilderness, located just 9 miles east of Ridgway. The cause of the 853-acre fire sparked on Wednesday, October 16 remains under investigation. Currently, containment is 0%. Minimal spread is expected over the next 48 hours as a cold front and possible snow showers move into the area.
The Granite Lake Fire is still continuing to burn in the Hunter Frying Pan Wilderness at 713 acres, located just 13 miles southeast of Meredith. The blaze sparked on Saturday, September 21, due to natural causes. Containment is 2% with backcountry terrain raising concerns for first responders.
The largest wildfire of the season is almost out. As of Wednesday, the Decker Fire had burnt 8,910 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness with 75% containment. 612 firefighters remain on the scene of the blaze, located just 2 miles south of Salida. The lightning-caused fire was first discovered on Sunday, September 8.
A lighting-caused fire that sparked on Thursday, September 5, is still burning in a remote area of Rio Blanco County. Located between Hunter Creek and West Willow Creek, the Hunt Fire is now 3,766 acres large with 40% containment.
Firefighters continue to tackle the Middle Mamm Fire burning through an area of the White River National Forest, just 11 miles south of Rifle. It’s currently 1,235 acres in size with 34% containment. It was first discovered on Sunday, July 28. The estimated containment date is Wednesday, November 20.
An air quality health advisory that has been issued for portions of southwestern Colorado will remain in effect until at least 9:00 AM, Thursday morning.
Colorado will likely see some relief over the next few days with a major snowstorm arriving Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.




