Colorado Wildfires Reach 86,000 and 42,000 Acres with Limited Containment amid Forecast Storms

Multiple wildfires across southern Colorado have expanded rapidly as forecasters predict thunderstorms with high winds that could hamper containment operations on Sunday. The Aspen Acres Fire, burning south of Colorado Springs in Pueblo and Custer counties, has reached more than 86,000 acres since it began nearly a week earlier and stood at 13 percent containment Sunday morning, Npr reported.

Authorities issued evacuation or pre-evacuation orders for residents in Custer, Pueblo, Huerfano and Fremont counties.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across south central and southwest Colorado on Sunday. The National Weather Service office in Pueblo stated that gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph and lightning represent the main threats from the storms.

Red flag warnings and air quality alerts cover the state, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advised residents Sunday to limit time outdoors because of heavy smoke.

Other large fires continue to burn in the region. The Ferris Fire in southwest Colorado has grown to more than 42,000 acres and reached 7 percent containment by Sunday afternoon. The Gold Mountain Fire in the same area has expanded beyond 25,000 acres with zero containment as of Sunday.

A memorial service took place Sunday for three firefighters killed June 27 while battling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border. Emily Barker, Sydney Watson and Nick Hutcherson died in a burnover incident, according to the Department of Interior. Colorado Gov.

Jared Polis ordered flags flown at half-staff statewide. Across the border in southern Utah, the Babylon Fire has grown to more than 90,000 acres with zero containment as of Sunday afternoon. Officials said conditions are expected to remain hot and dry through Monday with very low humidity.