© 2024
NPR for Northern Colorado
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Winter Weather Helps Dampen Remaining Wildfires In Colorado

InciWeb
Burnout operations at the Silver Creek Fire, photographed Sept. 24. Winter weather moving through Colorado is expected to help wildfires still burning around the state.

Early winter weather across Colorado might help draw to a close this year's busy fire season.

The Denver Post reports freezing temperatures and early snow hit the mountains, dampening one of the state's worst wildfire seasons.

According to the National Weather Service, Vail and the surrounding areas are expected to receive 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of snow over the next couple of days. The cold is expected to stick around throughout the week across the state.

Firefighters have been waiting for heavy rain or snow to end the fire season, but September saw only light drizzles and occasional humidity. Record-breaking heat last month helped keep the season going.

Active wildfires are transitioning to local firefighting teams and officials have been rescinding fire restrictions.

Copyright 2018 Associated Press. All rights reserved.