Wildfire southwest of Denver forces thousands to evacuate and destroys more than 160 structures
PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) — A wildfire burning southwest of Denver through Friday forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and destroyed more than 160 structures; erratic winds spread the fire across two Colorado counties.
Aspen Acres fire is one of approximately 40 fires that remain uncontrolled big flames Months of dry weather and burning, mostly in the West record lack of snow in some places last winter.
Fire personnel were taking water from the Pueblo Reservoir to fight the Aspen Acres fire, which expanded to 17 square miles (44 square kilometers) overnight and had grown to nearly 105 square miles (272 square kilometers) by Friday with zero containment.
The entire town of Colorado City, an unincorporated community of about 2,200 people, was ordered to evacuate, as well as the towns of Beulah, Rye and San Isabel, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
About 50 National Guard soldiers were being dispatched Friday to help staff checkpoints on roads in Custer and Pueblo counties.
Guard members will also assist State Park Rangers as they bring in additional boats to keep boaters away from impoundment operations.
Fire crews on the west side of the Rocky Mountains had about 65% control of the Snyder Fire on the Colorado/Utah border. helitack set was killed and two more people were injured by the flames last weekend.
The Cottonwood fire in southwestern Utah had reached 147 square miles (380 square kilometers) by Friday, while the Babylon fire in the southeastern corner of the state had reached 133 square miles (344 square kilometers).
