The Aspen Acres Fire in Rye, Colorado, faces challenges due to thunderstorms with high winds on Sunday. This wildfire covers over 86,000 acres in Pueblo and Custer counties, near Colorado Springs. Initiated about a week ago, containment is at 13% as of Sunday morning.
Authorities have urged evacuations in counties such as Custer, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Fremont. According to the National Weather Service, scattered showers and thunderstorms can affect south central and southwest Colorado on Sunday. While rain may aid firefighting efforts, it poses risks like road damage in burned areas and flash floods.
The main threats from storms will be gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph and lightning,” stated the NWS office in Pueblo.
Red flag warnings and air quality alerts are issued statewide. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advises residents to minimize outdoor activities due to heavy smoke. Other wildfires, such as the Ferris Fire in southwest Colorado, exceed 42,000 acres with a 7% containment status as of Sunday afternoon. The Gold Mountain Fire in the southwest expands over 25,000 acres, remaining uncontained.
A memorial service was held Sunday for three firefighters lost to a “burnover incident” on the Colorado-Utah border on June 27: Emily Barker, Sydney Watson, and Nick Hutcherson. This incident occurs when firefighters are overtaken by fire, forcing them to seek shelter. Two firefighters survived, sustaining burn injuries.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis ordered flags at half-staff to honor these firefighters.
These three brave heroes ran towards the flames, put themselves in harm’s way, and gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect Coloradans, our communities and our families, said Polis on social media Sunday.
Another significant fire in southern Utah, the Babylon Fire, has grown over 90,000 acres, without containment as of Sunday afternoon. With hot, dry conditions and low humidity lasting through Monday, efforts for containment face difficulties.
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