Wildfires continue to burn across Colorado as hot, dry, and windy conditions keep fire danger at extreme levels.
The Aspen Acres Fire burning in Custer and Pueblo counties has grown to more than 48,000 acres and remains 0% contained, making it the largest wildfire currently burning in Colorado. More than 125 structures have been destroyed in Pueblo County, while 55 homes have been lost in Custer County. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office reports one firefighter was injured while battling the blaze near Westcliffe. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for Rye, Beulah, San Isabel, Wetmore, Bishop Castle, and areas south of Highway 96.
In Lake County, the Willow Fire burning in the Mount Massive Wilderness has grown to more than 2,100 acres with no containment. A community meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at Lake County High School in Leadville, where incident management personnel will provide an operational update and answer questions from the public.
The Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray has expanded to nearly 18,000 acres and remains uncontained. U.S. Highway 550 has reopened to through traffic between Ouray and Ridgway.
The National Weather Service warns that hot, dry weather and gusty winds will continue through the Fourth of July weekend and has again issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the region.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has also issued an air quality alert, warning that wildfire smoke may be unhealthy, especially for people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have joined Lake, Chaffee, Park, and Fremont counties in implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Under Stage 2 Restrictions, all open fires and campfires are prohibited, including those in permanent fire rings. Propane and liquid-fueled stoves equipped with an on/off valve remain permitted.
