Blaze explodes to 73,367 acres, becomes 8th-largest in Colorado state history
While containment has been gained on many of the fires that popped up around Colorado in recent days, the most problematic blaze continues to be the Aspen Acres wildfire, which has now become the 8th-largest fire in state history. Gold Mountain Fire is concerning, too, burning in a stunning area that’s very popular among outdoor recreators.
Here’s a look at what’s on fire around the Centennial State:
Note from the author: Wildfire news can change fast and acreage can sometimes vary by source. This collection of information is based on what seems to be the most accurate at time of reporting considering the many sources that exist, including official pages dedicated to publishing fire updates, as well as applications like Watch Duty. Find additional information about each fire and sources that seem to provide the most up-to-date details linked below.
1. Snyder Fire (which merged with Jones Fire and overtook Knowles and Gore fires)
Location: West of Fruita
Size: 30,193 acres
Containment: 65 percent
Update: Containment continues to increase. Some previously closed areas have reopened, though many closures are still in place.
Find more information here.
2. Gold Mountain Fire
Location: North of Ouray
Size: 21,788 acres
Containment: 0 percent
Update: Numerous trailheads and areas known for their outdoor recreation in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District are closed due to this blaze. The list is long, but includes Courthouse Trailhead, Dexter Creek Trailhead, Beaver Lake Campground, Alpine/Little Cimarron Trailhead, Silver Jack Boat Ramp, Vista Point Trailhead, and more. Ouray is still believed to not be threatened at this time, not under an evacuation or pre-evacuation order.
Find more information here.
3. Ferris Fire (which merged with Doe Canyon and Far Draw fires)
Location: Roughly 30 miles northwest of Dolores
Size: 30,706 acres
Containment: 10 percent
Update: There’s been slight growth over the last 24 hours, but some level of containment has officially been gained. Crews are working to increase the containment number with more than 350 personnel assigned to the blaze.
Find more information here.
4. Willow Fire
Location: West of Leadville near Turquoise Lake
Size: 2,540 acres
Containment: 0 percent
Update: Recent work has involved strengthening structure protection north of Turquoise Lake, as well as southeast and east of the general fire perimeter. Effort also seems to be shifting to establishing a containment line.
Find more information here.
5. Aspen Acres Fire
Location: Custer County/Pueblo counties
Size: 73,367 acres
Containment: 0 percent
Update: Colorado City was the latest town added to the evacuation order, with evacuations now present in both Custer and Pueblo counties (including areas of Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, and more). At last report, the blaze is about 20 miles from Pueblo with the city of Pueblo not being threatened at this time (12:30 a.m., July 3 per the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office – note that this detail was before the most recent increase in fire acreage was announced). The Aspen Acres fire is now the 8th-largest fire in Colorado history and it could pass 7th-place High Park fire at 87,284 acres with a bit more growth.
Find more information here.
6. Red Rocks Fire
Located: North of Clifton, near Debeque
Size: 341
Containment: 95 percent
Update: Containment has stayed at 95 percent since Wednesday.
Find more information here.
7. 11 Fire
Location: Fremont County, northwest of Cañon City
Size: 107
Containment: 100 percent
Update: This blaze is now fully contained.
Find more information here.
8. McCloud Fire
Location: Dolores County
Size: 113 acres
Containment: No information.
Update: No update at this time.
Find more information here.
9. Big Sheep Fire
Location: Huerfano County, west of Big Sheep Mountain
Size: 1,281 acres
Containment: 50 percent
Update: The fire has stayed at 50 percent containment, with the pre-evacuation notice remaining in effect due to humidity and Red Flag Warning weather conditions today.
Find more information here.
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