Fire Near Salida Now Nations Top Wildfire Priority

The Decker fire, near Salida, has burned 6,100 acres and has now become the top priority for the country, meaning the nation's top firefighting equipment stands ready to assist.

The fire began with a lightning strike in early September and is currently only five percent contained.

The fire, which is burning in the Sangro De Cristo wilderness area is approximately two miles from the town of Salida, which has around 5,200 residents.

The conditions are very dry and high winds have been hampering firefighting efforts in Chafee County.

The National Interagency Coordination Center ranks this fire the top priority in the country. A fire that burns more than 5,000 acres is considered a Class G fire which is the largest category of fires. Thus far, 806 firefighters are battling the blaze, which includes bulldozers, helicopters and more.

No rain is in the forecast, making it even more difficult to combat the blaze, but with this fire now a national priority, it's only a matter of time before they have it contained.