A massive wildfire continues to burn southwest of Denver, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. The blaze had destroyed more than 160 structures by Friday, while strong winds pushed the fire across two Colorado counties.
The Aspen Acres Fire is one of nearly 40 major uncontrolled wildfires burning across the western United States, fueled by months of dry weather and a record-low snowfall during last winter in several areas.
Firefighting crews have been drawing water from Pueblo Reservoir to battle the Aspen Acres Fire, which had spread across approximately 297 square kilometers (115 square miles) by Friday afternoon, with zero containment reported.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the entire town of Colorado City, as well as the communities of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
Approximately 50 National Guard troops were deployed on Friday to assist with staffing road checkpoints in Custer and Pueblo counties.
National Guard personnel are also assisting State Park Rangers as additional boats are brought in to keep recreational boaters away from water collection operations supporting firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, firefighters on the western side of the Rocky Mountains had contained about 65% of the Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border, where three members of a helicopter crew were killed and two others injured after being overtaken by flames last weekend.
Elsewhere, the Cottonwood Fire in southwestern Utah had expanded to approximately 380 square kilometers (147 square miles) by Friday, while the Babylon Fire in the state’s southeastern corner had grown to 344 square kilometers (133 square miles).
