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The High Park Fire Is Not Alone Among Colorado Fires

Dave Dennis
/
KUNC

Saturday was a busy day for firefighters in Colorado. Uncooperative weather helped grow the High Park from 75,537 to 81,190 by the end of the operational day.

In addition to the High Park Fire, several other fires burned across the state. The Cortez Journal reports the Weber Fire near Mancos, CO at about 6,000 acres as of Sunday morning. Closer to Northern Colorado, some air resources were diverted from the High Park to quickly stomp on a fire that broke out in Estes Park.

The Estes Park Fire, later named the Woodland Heights Fire, quickly spread and burned 20 acres before air support helped stop the burn. Officials have confirmed that 21 structures were lost. The fire is now in mop up stages.

Near Colorado Springs, the Waldo Canyon fire is currently estimated at 2,000 acres and zero containment. The blaze has forced officials to call for the evacuation of Manitou Springs according to KRDO, News Channel 13.

In all there are 8 fires burning in Colorado, from top to bottom. The Denver Post has a map that pinpoints the locations and the geographic distances that fires are occupying. Dry conditions and hot temperatures have been the friend of fires and the bane of fire management officials. State wide forecasts today are not forgiving, calling for temperatures in the 100's across much of the Front Range.

Fire bans remain in place and fire danger remains high to extreme in many areas.

I’m not a Colorado native (did you know that "I'm from Missouri" means "I'm skeptical of the matter and not easily convinced?") but I have lived here for most of my life and couldn't imagine leaving. After graduating from Colorado State University, I did what everyone wants to do; I moved to the mountains and skied, hiked, and hid from responsibility! Our listeners in the mountains may know me from my time in Steamboat Springs and Vail or as the voice of the Battle Mountain Huskies Hockey team in Vail.
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