Some containment finally gained as 86,983-acre wildfire nears Colorado reservoir

As firefighters continue to fight against several large wildfires in Colorado, continued evacuations and smoke impacts remain, with containment increasing for some.

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: 30,202 acres

Containment: 95 percent

Update: This fire remains at the same acreage and containment.

Find more information here.

2. Gold Mountain Fire

Location: North of Ouray

Size: 25,920 acres

Containment: 0 percent

Update: This fire has increased, with steep and rugged terrain stopping firefighters from constructing fire line in areas on the fire front in the Baldy Peak area.

Find more information here.

3. Ferris Fire (which merged with Doe Canyon and Far Draw fires)

Location: Roughly 30 miles northwest of Dolores

Size: 41,337 acres

Containment: 7 percent

Update: The fire was not as active as it was on Friday, although containment has decreased because the fire grew without additional containment added.

Find more information here.

4. Willow Fire

Location: West of Leadville near Turquoise Lake

Size: 3,090 acres

Containment: One percent

Update: This fire has also increased, but it seems that firefighters have been able to begin getting containment. More evacuation orders were issued on Sunday morning.

Find more information here.

5. Aspen Acres Fire

Location: Custer County/Pueblo counties

Size: 86,983 acres

Containment: 6 percent

Update: Saturday offered milder weather, which helped moderate fire behavior and allowed firefighters to work directly work on the fire’s perimeter. Although the increase in humidity helped moderate fire behavior, live and dead vegetation is still dry and a possible increase in thunderstorms on Sunday is the main concern. This fire is the 8th-largest fire in Colorado history, and could pass the High Park fire at 87,284 acres for 7th-place.

Find more information here.

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New evacuations ordered for Willow Fire near Leadville

New evacuations for the Willow Creek Fire, burning southwest of Turquoise Lake and west of Leadville, were announced on Sunday morning. Residents in the areas of Lake Fork, Stargazer Circle and County Road 11 were asked to evacuate. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), everyone in these areas must be evacuated by noon […]


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