Two of Colorado’s Wildfires Have Now Burned Over 4,000 Acres

Looking at a map of the Western United States, it's lit up with wildfires from Colorado to the coastal states. Right now, Colorado has three active wildfires; Silvan Fire, Muddy Slide Fire and Morgan Creek Fire. All are under 5,000 acres, a number that pales in comparison to 2020's wildfire season, but along with the out-of-state fires, they're making for hazy skies.

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The Sylvan Fire was ignited by lightning, and was discovered in the Eagle County area on June 20. As of July 17, it has reached over 3,700 acres and is 68 percent contained.

Similarly, the Muddy Slide Fire was also discovered on June 20, and the blaze was started by lightning. The 4,000-acre wildfire is burning in Routt County near Kremmling, and is currently 70 percent contained.

Though the Morgan Creek Fire has only been burning for a little over a week, it is the largest in Colorado at this time, burning nearly 4,400 acres near Steamboat Springs. The fire was discovered on July 9, and pre-evacuation orders were issued. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and there in no containment update at this time. Right now, the air quality in the Steamboat area is moderate.

Last August, the Cameron Peak Fire ignited west of Fort Collins, and burned for over 100 days. In October, the East Troublesome Fire burned simultaneously and adjacently. They became Colorado's largest and second-largest wildfires in the state's history, and together, destroyed over 400,000 acres and dozens of structures, including homes. The causes of both fires are still unknown.