Forecasters say storms may give crews some relief in southern Colorado, but the same weather may also complicate the fight against the 86,000-acre Aspen Acres Fire by bringing stronger winds, road damage, and flash flooding over newly burned ground.
What’s happening?
Residents across Custer, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Fremont counties were under evacuation orders or warnings as the Aspen Acres Fire expands south of Colorado Springs. NPR reported that the fire began almost two weeks ago and, in Pueblo and Custer counties, had scorched more than 86,000 acres and was 13% contained by last Sunday morning, officials said.
The Pueblo office of the National Weather Service said storms last Sunday could bring “gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph and lightning” as scattered showers move through south-central and southwest Colorado. While any rain may help slow the fire, officials say the forecast also can create new hazards.
The Aspen Acres Fire is one of several large blazes burning in Colorado. By July 5 afternoon, the Ferris Fire in the southwest had grown past 42,000 acres and was 7% contained, while the Gold Mountain Fire had exceeded 25,000 acres with no containment…