Tag: wildfires
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GUEST OPINION: Protecting your health during wildfire season
Wildfire season can change daily life quickly in Colorado, where residents may face smoky skies, reduced air quality, and the possibility of evacuation during periods of elevated wildfire activity. While conditions may look different from one community to the next, smoke, poor air quality and sudden changes in fire activity can affect residents well beyond areas closest to…
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Colorado wildfire roundup: New ignitions slow as Western fires set to grow
No new major fire ignitions sparked across Colorado on Friday as thousands of firefighters continued to build fire lines on existing fires ahead of forecasted worsening conditions. Evacuations expanded for the 62,930-acre Ferris fire in Dolores County toward the Utah state line as a large ready status order stretched into San Miguel County, officials first…
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Warmer, drier forecasts spell more fire threats for southern Colorado
A pattern of rainstorms have aided firefighting efforts across southern Colorado, but critical fire weather conditions are expected to return starting this weekend. The National Weather Service reports isolated thunderstorms will be possible Saturday afternoon, but warmer and drier conditions will develop into Sunday and through much of next week, with some “spotty” critical fire…
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Rock Creek fire burning on Cheyenne Mountain 80% contained
Favorable weather Friday helped hold fire lines for the Rock Creek fire burning on Cheyenne Mountain, bringing containment to 80%, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies also announced that on-the-ground crews are ensuring all hot spots are eliminated while they hold the fire lines. Crews made “significant progress” in their firefighting efforts…
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Rock Creek fire 50% contained on Cheyenne Mountain as dry conditions improve
Favorable conditions aided firefighters in reaching 50% containment of the Rock Creek fire on Thursday after it began burning on Cheyenne Mountain Tuesday evening. Crews made “significant progress” in their efforts due to cooler temperatures and rainfall, according to a social media post by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Drones will be used in…
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Storms and rain a ‘two-edged’ sword in the battle against Colorado wildfires
Storms brought a welcome reprieve of moisture Wednesday evening and overnight Thursday to the southern Front Range, including portions of the Aspen Acres burn scar — without the fallout authorities worried could compound the disaster-so-far as the wildfire continues to rage in Pueblo and Custer counties. Fortunately, rain fell. In amounts and in places where…
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Colorado wildfire roundup: New fires reported in Elbert, Las Animas and Huerfano counties
Thousands of firefighters continue to battle several large wildfires in Colorado, forcing some residents in a growing number of counties across the state to find alternative shelter amid evacuation orders in effect on Wednesday. Some crews battling the 96,089-acre Aspen Acres fire in Custer and Pueblo counties departed several miles south of Colorado City to…
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Aspen Acres fire evacuations rescinded in part of Fremont County
Officials pulled back evacuation orders for several Fremont County communities Wednesday afternoon, as the Aspen Acres fire continued to burn west of Pueblo. The communities of Rockvale, Coal Creek and Williamsburg were downgraded to pre-evacuation status. The area was evacuated late Sunday evening as the fire made a run to the northwest. Fremont County Sheriff…
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How close is Aspen Acres fire to ADX Florence Supermax prison?
As the Aspen Acres fire blazes in Pueblo and Custer counties, burning through over 90,000 acres of land, evacuation orders border the “Alcatraz of the Rockies.” The ADX Florence Supermax prison in Fremont County is considered the most secure prison in the United States and houses some of the world’s most notorious criminals, including Mexican…
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Much-needed rainstorms could create flash-flooding risks near Aspen Acres fire
Much-needed rain is forecast for Southern Colorado on Tuesday and most of this week, but meteorologists warn it doesn’t come without risks. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop over the mountains, then push into the plains later in the evening, the National Weather Service’s Pueblo office reported. Tuesday starts a four-day weather pattern…