Gov. Jared Polis instituted a statewide open fire ban on Aug. 18, as wildfires have burned more than 175,000 acres across Colorado. Hot, dry and windy conditions have helped spread at least four fires, all of which are less than 10% contained.
As of Aug. 19, the Pine Gulch fire north of Grand Junction is currently the biggest, at 125,100 acres and counting. Caused by lightning, it’s now the second largest fire in the state’s history. The Grizzly Creek fire (at approximately 28,000 acres) continues to keep I-70 closed through Glenwood Canyon with no estimated time of reopening. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, as is that of the Cameron Peak fire (at 15,738 acres) in Arapaho and Roosevelt National forests, which have filled the skies in Boulder County with smoke and even ash, and closed down Highway 14 west of Fort Collins. It can be seen here on Friday, Aug. 14.
The human-caused Williams Fork fire near Hot Sulphur Springs has burned more than 6,700 acres since Friday. For up-to-date fire information visit inciweb.nwcg.gov.
