Firefighters in western Colorado are battling two fast-growing, lightning-caused wildfires that have already burned more than 120,000 acres, fueled by hot, windy weather and drought-stricken vegetation.
The Lee Fire, the larger of the two, has forced evacuations in two counties, threatening homes, oil and gas facilities, and even a prison. At one point, it came within a mile of reaching Meeker, a small ranching and hunting community about 150 miles west of Denver.
“This is the kind of fire that is really driven in part by the significant drought-stressed fuels that are out there,” said Bethany Urban, a fire information officer with the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3. Even mild winds can cause rapid spread in such conditions, she added.
The blaze is tearing through tinder-dry piñon-juniper stands, creating dangerous conditions that have sometimes forced crews to retreat for safety.
Despite the intensity, resources are pouring in from across the country, aided by what has been a quieter-than-expected wildfire season in the West so far. Local businesses, like the Elk Mountain Inn in Meeker, are housing crews. Owner Michelle Morgan recalled packing her car with essentials when the fire neared town last week, but said containment lines and hotspot control have eased immediate fears.
Poor air quality remains a problem in western Colorado and in Southern California, where the Gifford Fire has burned over 117,000 acres in the Los Padres National Forest, also prompting evacuations.
Forecasters warn that hot, dry, and windy weather will persist across the Southwest this week, offering little relief for exhausted firefighters.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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