Watch How Dangerous Parts of the Cameron Peak Fire Are
A new video from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is showing just how dangerous the Cameron Peak Fire can be.
Filmed by a DFPC firefighter on the Module 11 crew, the footage showcases harsh winds and low visibility due to the surrounding flames and ash.
The Cameron Peak Fire is burning over 206,009 acres, as of Wednesday's (Oct. 21) official update.
"With many of us being locals, this fire has been a little more personal," said the firefighter in a press release from DFPC. "This is the area that some of us lived and grew up recreating in."
While you may feel helpless seeing the fire's destruction on a screen, DFPC Director Mike Morgan noted that the best thing to do is to watch the blaze from a "safety zone," or a safe location away from the fire.
"Exercise caution, follow directives from state and local officials, help protect our fellow residents, natural resources, and our wildland firefighters during this elevated fire threat," said Morgan in the release.
Aside from protecting yourself, you can help firefighters and evacuees with non-perishable food donations and financial contributions.
Preventing wildfires in the future is also paramount. To avoid further incidents, DFPC recommends following local fire restrictions, completely putting out campfires, and keeping vehicles away from dry or tall grass.