Colorado Wildfires Burn During Historic Statewide Drought

The Pine Gulch wildfire north of Grand Junction, Colorado is now the 8th largest in the Centennial State’s history. As of Wednesday morning, the fire has engulfed 51,000 acres and is only 7% contained. 

The Grizzly Creek fire near Glenwood Springs has grown to 3,700 acres and is 0% contained. The fire has shut down Interstate 70 in both directions.  

A statewide drought has made containment of these wildfires difficult. According to the US Drought Monitor, 32% of Colorado is under severe drought, 27% is under moderate drought, and 41% under abnormally dry conditions. These dry conditions are forecasted to last until fall. 

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US drought Index over Colorado. Data courtesy of The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM).