Disaster emergency declared as wildfires devastate western Colorado

In western Colorado, multiple wildfires have escalated, leading to extensive evacuations and closures. The Elk Fire started on a Saturday afternoon in northwest Colorado, rapidly expanding to approximately 4,000 acres due to dry conditions and dense vegetation. Evacuations were mandated for specific areas near the fire, including various county roads around Meeker. The Lee Fire and Grease Fire, located nearby, together consumed an additional 5,000 acres. These fires have caused significant property loss, including at least one structure and four outbuildings. In response to this crisis, Colorado's Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency on Sunday, as efforts to contain the fires intensified with evacuations imposed across multiple regions. Meanwhile, a separate wildfire in southwestern Colorado, called the Stoner Mesa Fire, has also surged to around 250 acres, prompting the evacuation of numerous campgrounds. This fire demonstrates extreme fire behavior, making it difficult for firefighting crews to access the area due to its remote location and the presence of heavy dead and downed trees. The situation has underscored the critical nature of fire safety and preparedness in the region, as communities brace for possible longer-term impact from these natural disasters.