Extreme fire danger continues across Colorado as the National Weather Service maintains a Red Flag Warning due to hot, dry, and windy conditions.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has also extended an Air Quality Health Advisory, warning that wildfire smoke may be unhealthy, especially for people with asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory conditions.
The Aspen Acres Fire burning in Custer and Pueblo counties has grown to more than 55,000 acres and remains 0% contained. More than 180 structures have been destroyed across the two counties. Mandatory evacuations have now been expanded to include Colorado City west of Interstate 25. Evacuation orders also 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 near Leadville has grown to more than 2,500 acres and remains uncontained.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have joined Lake, Chaffee, Park, Saguache, and Fremont counties in implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, all campfires are prohibited. Propane and liquid-fueled stoves equipped with an on/off valve remain permitted.
Fireworks are also strictly prohibited. Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich has directed deputies to enforce the ban with zero tolerance. Violators face a $750 fine.
