Uncontrolled wildfires continued to spread through Colorado and Utah this week, prompting evacuations and requests for residents to avoid fireworks.
Several major wildfires continue to spread across the two states, with total acreage burned now exceeding 100,000. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to the areas to contain the rapidly expanding blazes. But local authorities have urged many to evacuate public lands under threat from the fires, especially campers and others enjoying them near the fires.
In both states, officials have asked many residents to avoid using fireworks — even as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary this week. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a statewide ban on fireworks last week, and many areas of Colorado have canceled fireworks shows and asked residents to avoid using them. The fireworks ban also includes the Denver area.
In a press conference on Tuesday, the sheriff of Colorado’s Mesa County pleaded with locals to avoid using fireworks — especially after the deaths of three Colorado firefighters over the weekend.
“Listen, we’re going into the Fourth of July weekend. I’m a United States Marine, and I want to celebrate our birthday as much as any of you do. I truly do,” Sheriff Todd Rowell said. “This is not the time to start human-caused fires. We’re going to have natural fires. We can’t have human-caused fires. So save your fireworks.”
Authorities Identify 3 Firefighters Killed
Several wildfires have expanded rapidly over the last several days. That includes Colorado’s Snyder Fire (more than 30,000 acres) and Utah’s Babylon Fire (38,000 acres). The biggest blaze is currently the Cottonwood Fire, which has burned more than 93,000 acres along the Colorado–Utah border.
On Monday, federal authorities released the names of three firefighters who died this weekend fighting Colorado’s Knowles Fire, which ultimately merged with other blazes to become the Snyder Fire. The three firefighters are:
- Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack.
- Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest.
- Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.
Two other firefighters were also injured during the incident and are receiving medical care, according to a press release from the Interior Department: “We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy.
Many areas of Colorado and Utah have been closed or issued evacuation orders. Colorado sheriff’s deputies evacuated 123 campers from the Colorado River banks this weekend and closed areas of James M. Robb–Colorado River State Park and Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area. In Utah, the wildfire began in Bears Ears National Monument, but has also prompted closures of parts of Canyonlands National Park.
There are some communities in both Colorado and Utah that are still allowing fireworks, but that could change if the fires continue to grow. Check with your local sheriff’s office to stay updated on the rules for celebrating Independence Day this weekend.
More Impacts to Campers, Ultrarunners
Even some of Colorado’s smaller wildfires may have a big impact on outdoor recreation in the state this summer.
The Willow Fire near Leadville, Colo., began on Sunday and has since spread to more than 1,200 acres. It remains 0% contained, as of Tuesday afternoon. The fire’s proximity to Turquoise Lake, a popular destination, may affect both campers and ultrarunners.
Those planning to camp in the Turquoise Lake area this week should check Recreation.gov for reservation status. All campgrounds surrounding the lake have received mandatory evacuation orders. Reservations for those campgrounds have been canceled and refunded through Wednesday, July 1. However, cancellations could extend beyond July 1, depending on fire conditions, officials said.
The Leadville area, including Turquoise Lake, also hosts several races this summer. That includes the Silver Rush 50, slated for July 11, and the internationally popular Leadville 100 in mid-August.
Some ultrarunners in the Leadville area have already pointed out that the current fires are likely to impact the races.
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