Rain last week helped firefighters contain wildfires throughout western Colorado.
Winds remain a challenge for some but many of the fire fighting crews are hopeful that fire lines will hold any further spread.
Silver Creek fire
Over 250 firefighters continue to try and contain the Silver Creek fire northwest of Kremmling. The 4,722-acre fire is currently 49 percent contained. Scattered showers will give fire fighting a boost, but high-winds pose a risk for several rural communities, said Jackie Parks, a fire information officer.
Approximately 100 people in near-by rural communities remain under pre-evacuation notice.
“We are very fortunate to receive precipitation,” Parks said.
Bull Draw fire
The Bull Draw fire continues to smolder, but with less chance of wind gusts in the area. The largest fire in the state at over 30,000 acres, the fire is currently just over 50 percent contained. Firefighters are not concerned with continued spread and continue to lay fire-lines and mop up hot spots, said Cass Cairns a public information officer for the fire.
Muddy roads from the rains could make access to the fire difficult for the firefighters. The fire currently poses “minimal risk” to surrounding structures, but fire precautions remain, Cairns said.
Cache Creek fire
More than two inches of rain last week helped reduce much of the fire, but firefighters continue to monitor their fire lines. Despite the recent rain, drought conditions in the area continue to pose a risk for future fires.
“The remaining firefighters will continue to patrol, monitor and take actions as necessary,” according to a press release.
Cabin Lake fire
East of Meeker, the almost 6,000-acre Cabin Lake fire is currently 82 percent contained. No structures are at risk and firefighters continue to monitor and suppress on-going smoke.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, said Brian Rudd a public information officer for the fire. Firefighters are hopeful for full containment soon.
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.