Across the state, long-burning and newly-erupted fires are slowing down thanks to cooler temperatures and weekend rains.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, heavy rains may bring threats of flash flooding close to burn areas.
Here’s the latest on the more recent fires in Colorado.
Lake Christine fire
The fire grew more than 3,000 acres over the weekend and containment decreased from 59 percent to 32 percent. However, fire officials say the growth of the fire was gradual, rather than a rapid explosion. A map from Lake Christine fire information outlining the growth of the fire can be viewed here.
As of Friday, the fire was at 8,315 acres. It grew to 8,800 acres by Saturday morning and then 10,406 acres by Sunday morning. As of Sunday evening, the fire was at 11,459 acres.
Lynn Lockwood, a public information officer for the fire, said the growth was on the North side of the fire, in an area mostly devoid of residences. While the percent of the fire contained has decreased, the total area contained has remained the same.
“We didn’t lose containment, we gained perimeter,” Lockwood said.
Firefighters will spend Monday monitoring the northern perimeter of the fire and areas where embers may have been pushed ahead due to erratic, gusty winds.
Indian Valley fire
A wildfire broke out Friday northwest of Meeker in Rio Blanco County, according to the sheriff’s office.
The fire is at about 5,000 acres, according to the sheriff’s office. Pre-evacuation orders for the Sage Hills area were lifted Sunday.
Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office – PRE-EVACUATION ORDERS HAVE BEEN LIFTED FOR THE SAGE HILLS AREA! Winds have died down and the fire is holding.
County Road 11 stays closed and we ask that you still be alert of the fire in the area.— RIO BLANCO SHERIFF (@RBSODISPATCH)
Rampart fire
The fire was fully contained as of Sunday. Located about 2.5 miles northeast of Woodland Park, the fire was reported at about 4 p.m. Friday and had burned about 12 acres by Friday night.
U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the area were evacuated.
Echoing the fact that the is 100% contained! Thank you to our fantastic firefighters and pilots!
— Lieutenant Bunting, PIO (@TCSOPIO)
Firefighters used aerial water drops and retardant to combat the flames.
More water and retardant on
— Lieutenant Bunting, PIO (@TCSOPIO)
Spring Creek fire
A flash flood watch is in effect for Eastern Costilla County, including the Spring Creek fire burn scar, according to the Costilla County Office of Emergency Management.
Flash Flood WATCH from Noon through this evening for Eastern Costilla County. This includes the Spring Fire burn scar. Please monitor the weather and be prepared to take action should a Flash Flood WARNING be issued.
— Costilla OEM (@Costilla_OEM)
The Spring Creek fire was last updated on InciWeb on July 16, when the Rocky Mountain Blue Team handed off the fire to a Type 4 Organization. It was at 108,045 acres and 91 percent contained.
416 fire
The 416 fire was also last updated on InciWeb on July 16 at 54,129 acres and 50 percent containment.
Wildfires in Colorado and the U.S.
The map shows active wildfire locations and all 2018 fire perimeters*. The map defaults to Colorado; to see all wildfires, click “U.S.” in the view area. Click the map layers icon in the top right corner of the map to change map backgrounds and to toggle active and contained fires, and perimeters. Click a marker or perimeter for details. To view the full map and a table of all 2018 wildfires, click here.
*Data comes from two sources, and , and could contain inconsistencies. Map by Kevin Hamm and Daniel J. Schneider.