Firefighters continue making progress on several major wildfires across Colorado, but dangerous fire conditions and evacuation orders remain in place.
The Aspen Acres Fire has grown to more than 96,000 acres and is now 20% contained. Evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of Pueblo, Custer, and Huerfano counties. Fremont County has downgraded all evacuation areas to pre-evacuation status, while Pueblo County officials hope to begin reducing some evacuation orders on Monday. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has opened a public information line for residents at 719-467-0271.
In Lake County, the Willow Fire burning in the Mount Massive Wilderness west of Leadville has grown to more than 4,400 acres and is now 22% contained. The American Red Cross shelter at Darren Patterson Christian Academy in Buena Vista has moved to standby status. Residents needing re-entry cards should now obtain them at the Lake County Public Library.
Meanwhile, the Gold Mountain Fire burning in Montrose, Ouray, and Gunnison counties has grown to more than 32,000 acres and remains 8% contained.
The National Weather Service warns that warm, dry weather will increase fire activity through the weekend.
Custer County has implemented Stage 3 Fire Restrictions, the highest level of fire restrictions. In addition to prohibiting all outdoor fires, Stage 3 restrictions ban outdoor hot work such as welding, grinding, chainsaw use, charcoal and propane grills, outdoor cooking, and smoking. Diesel vehicles equipped with regenerative exhaust systems are also prohibited from operating in restricted areas. Motorists are urged not to park or drive over dry grass or weeds.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect on all public and private lands in Lake, Chaffee, Park, Saguache, and Fremont counties. Under Stage 2 restrictions, all campfires are prohibited. Propane and liquid-fueled stoves equipped with an on/off valve remain permitted.
