The Bull Draw wildfire continues to tear through groves of pine trees and brush on the western border of Colorado and is now 30,180 acres in size, authorities said Tuesday.
The blaze is the largest active wildfire in Colorado and one of the biggest fires in state history.
The fire grew more than 1,000 acres in the past 24-hour period, according to fire managers.
Weather forecasters are calling for several waves of rain showers on Tuesday. Firefighters at multiple fires across the state are hoping the moisture will help their cause.
BULL DRAW FIRE
Currently there are 308 firefighters tasked to the lightning-caused fire, which erupted on July 29.
The fire, burning 12 miles northwest of Nucla is now 24 percent contained, a gain of 3 percent over Monday.
Much needed monsoon moisture is expected Tuesday over the the wildfire. The fire has been growing in dry, hot conditions.
The fire spread Monday into Long and UC canyons. Fire crews have been able to hold the fire west of Divide Road, a major objective.
The western flank of the fire is not staffed by firefighters because of natural barriers.
The goal for complete containment is Sept. 15.
SILVER CREEK FIRE
The lightning-ignited wildfire is now at 13 percent containment. Currently it covers 4,745 acres.
The Grand County Sheriff lifted evacuation orders for Old Park and Gore Lakes neighborhoods, but Latigo Ranch continues to be under evacuation.
“With the increase in moisture predicted today, muddy, slippery conditions will be expected around the fire,” according to the Tuesday fire report.
Logging equipment and hand crews will work to improve and widen fire lines on the southern portion of the fire, removing vegetation near a fire line previously constructed by bulldozers.
A total of 608 firefighters are tasked to the wildfire.
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.