Firefighters continue to make progress on several major wildfires burning across central and southern Colorado, although evacuation orders and fire restrictions remain in place.
The Aspen Acres Fire has grown to more than 93,000 acres and is now 16% contained. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of Fremont, Pueblo, Custer, and Huerfano counties. Officials have confirmed that more than 260 homes and four businesses have been destroyed. Fire investigators say the blaze was human-caused, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
In Lake County, the Willow Fire burning in the Mount Massive Wilderness west of Leadville has grown to more than 4,300 acres and is now 10% contained.
Residents evacuated because of the Willow Fire who need a re-entry card can obtain one daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Darren Patterson Christian Academy in Buena Vista. A valid photo ID and documentation verifying 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 7% 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.
