By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc.

Skip to content

Current Colorado Wildfires: Updates and Impact

In recent days, Colorado has been grappling with a series of wildfires, each causing significant distress to communities within a 75-mile radius of Denver. As of tonight, all four fires have prompted evacuation orders, and tragically, one life has been lost. Here’s a comprehensive update on the current situation, the affected areas, and the firefighting efforts underway.

The Fires

  1. Alexander Mountain Fire
  • Location: Near Loveland, CO
  • Acreage Burned: 7,648 acres
  • Containment: 1%
  • Details: The Alexander Mountain Fire is the largest of the four, having started just a few days ago. It continues to spread rapidly, with containment efforts hindered by the rugged terrain and dry conditions.

2. Stone Canyon Fire

    • Location: Near Lyons, CO
    • Acreage Burned: 1,548 acres
    • Containment: 20%
    • Details: This fire is showing the most progress in terms of containment. However, it still poses a threat to nearby communities, with firefighters working tirelessly to increase the containment line.
    View of the Alexander Mountain Fire (left vertical plume with Pyrocumulus), and Stone Canyon Fire (smoke plume tilted to the right). Courtesy of NWS Boulder
    View of the Alexander Mountain Fire (left vertical plume with Pyrocumulus), and Stone Canyon Fire (smoke plume tilted to the right). Courtesy of NWS Boulder

    3. Lake Shore Fire

      • Location: Near Boulder, CO
      • Acreage Burned: Less than 100 acres
      • Containment: 0%
      • Details: Although smaller in size, the Lake Shore Fire is still uncontained and poses a significant risk due to its proximity to populated areas.

      4. Quarry Fire

        • Location: Near Golden, CO
        • Acreage Burned: 341 acres
        • Containment: 0%
        • Details: The Quarry Fire is spreading quickly and remains uncontained, adding to the challenges faced by firefighters.
        Image of the Quarry Fire courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
        Image of the Quarry Fire courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

        Evacuation Orders and Safety Concerns

        All four fires have led to evacuation orders as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents. The rapid spread of the fires, combined with shifting wind directions, has created unpredictable and dangerous conditions. Emergency services are urging residents to follow evacuation orders promptly and to stay informed through local news and official channels.

        Weather Conditions and Firefighting Efforts

        The weather continues to play a critical role in the behavior of these fires. Key messages from the weather update highlight the following:

        • Current Conditions: Hot and dry weather persists, with elevated fire weather conditions expected across the higher terrain today and tomorrow. These conditions are contributing to the rapid spread of the fires.
        • Upcoming Weather Changes: The forecast indicates increasing moisture on Friday, which could aid firefighting efforts. However, drier conditions are expected to return on Saturday, followed by better moisture from Sunday onward.
        Type 6 brush truck handles things on the ground as a tanker drops retardant on the Quarry Fire. Picture courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff Office
        “Type 6 brush truck handles things on the ground as a tanker drops retardant on the Quarry Fire”. Picture and caption courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff Office

        Fire Weather Summary

        • Wind Patterns: Light easterly winds are prevailing tonight, shifting to northwest by late morning tomorrow. These shifts can influence the direction and speed of fire spread.
        • Humidity and Temperature: Relative humidity levels are critically low, dropping to around 9% today with poor recovery overnight. Slightly better moisture is expected tomorrow, with minimum relative humidity around 15%. High temperatures in the upper 90s are anticipated across the urban corridor and plains, with smoke potentially impacting air quality.

        Drought Conditions and Recent Weather Patterns

        Compounding the challenges faced by firefighters is the fact that Colorado has been experiencing a prolonged 90-day drought. This drought follows a period of record-breaking wet conditions over the past 12 months, creating a paradoxical situation where lush growth from the wet period has now dried out, providing ample fuel for wildfires. The combination of dry conditions and abundant vegetation has created an ideal environment for these fires to ignite and spread rapidly.

        Long-Term Outlook

        The long-term weather forecast provides a glimmer of hope, with increased moisture and lower temperatures expected in the coming weeks. This change could significantly aid in containing and extinguishing the fires.

        8-14 Day Precipitation Outlook depicting wetter conditions for Colorado. Courtesy of NOAA
        8-14 Day Precipitation Outlook depicting wetter conditions for Colorado. Courtesy of NOAA
        8-14 Day Temperature Outlook depicting cooler temperatures for Colorado. Courtesy of NOAA
        8-14 Day Temperature Outlook depicting cooler temperatures for Colorado. Courtesy of NOAA

        Conclusion

        The wildfires in Colorado are a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. As firefighting teams work around the clock to protect lives and property, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and adhere to evacuation orders. The upcoming weather changes offer some hope, but the immediate focus remains on managing the fires and ensuring the safety of all affected communities.

        Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves, and support local efforts by following guidance from emergency services and weather authorities.

        Sources: NWS , Jefferson County Sheriff Office, NOAA

        Tags: