Firefighters continue to make progress on several major wildfires burning across Colorado, though evacuation orders and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect.
The Aspen Acres Fire has grown to more than 96,000 acres and is now 15% contained. Evacuation orders remain in place for portions of Fremont, Pueblo, Custer, and Huerfano counties. The communities of Rockvale, Williamsburg, and Coal Creek have been downgraded to pre-evacuation status. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has opened a public information line for residents at 719-467-0271.
An Aspen Acres Fire Community Meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at Florence High School. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Aspen Acres Fire Facebook page.
In Lake County, the Willow Fire burning in the Mount Massive Wilderness west of Leadville remains just over 4,300 acres and is now 16% contained. Fire crews continue firing operations on the east side of the fire near the Leadville National Fish Hatchery.
Residents evacuated because of the Willow Fire who need a re-entry card may obtain one daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Darren Patterson Christian Academy in Buena Vista. A valid photo ID and proof of residency are required.
Meanwhile, the Gold Mountain Fire burning in Montrose, Ouray, and Gunnison counties has grown to more than 31,000 acres and is now 8% contained.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect on all public and private lands in Lake, Chaffee, Park, Saguache, and Fremont counties. Under the restrictions, all campfires are prohibited. Propane and liquid-fueled stoves equipped with an on/off valve remain permitted.
