Colorado officials allowed some of the thousands of people displaced by four major wildfires to return home this week, with more evacuation orders expected to be lifted Friday as firefighters gradually gain containment.
The Aspen Acres, Ferris, Gold Mountain and Willow fires have burned 195,634 acres, or 306 square miles, as of Thursday night, which is larger than New York City and about three-quarters of the size of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Thunderstorms brought rain to several of the fires, but it wasn’t enough to change conditions dramatically for fire crews. More hot, dry weather is expected this weekend.
“Itap not a Hollywood movie that the rain comes and everyone’s dancing around in fire camp,” said Brad Washa, section chief on the Aspen Acres fire. “We’re staying on the incident. We’re not releasing any resources, and we have a lot of work left to do.”
The fire grew by less than 100 acres overnight Wednesday and into Thursday, with a footprint of 96,121 acres, or 150 square miles. Containment increased to 20% as of Thursday evening, and Pueblo County officials said they plan to lift more mandatory evacuations in the southern part of the county on Friday.
Fremont County officials lifted all remaining mandatory evacuations Thursday, although areas near the fire are still on pre-evacuation and residents should be ready to leave if fire behavior changes, county leaders said.
On the Western Slope, crews fighting the faced “active” and “intense” fire conditions Wednesday, officials said Thursday. The Ferris fire burned an additional 8 square miles and has consumed 62,916 acres, or 98 square miles. It is 19% contained.
The fire was most active along the western portion and reached the Bradfield Bridge Campground but has not damaged any structures, fire officials said.
To the north, for some homes near the Gold Mountain fire, and people living along the U.S. 550 corridor were allowed to return home Wednesday.
The Gold Mountain fire saw minimal growth, burning across an additional square mile Thursday. The fire’s footprint is now 32,131 acres, or 50 square miles, with 8% containment.
Crews are making steady progress building and strengthening containment lines on the Gold Mountain and Willow fires, officials said Thursday.
Lake County officials lifted some as containment on the Willow fire grew to 22%, up from 16% on Wednesday. Flames have consumed 4,466 acres, or 7 square miles, of forest near Turquoise Lake and Leadville.
