Four Colorado fires continue to burn despite expected precipitation

Wildfires in Colorado have burned thousands of acres and led to evacuation orders for residents. There is hope among fire crews that cooler weather and rain will lead to some containment.

The biggest fires are:

Oil Springs Fire:  The lightning-caused Oil Springs Fire, 20 miles south of Rangely, has burned 11,933 acres and prompted officials to close Highway 139 for firefighter and public safety, according to the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM. However, all evacuations ordered by the Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office have been lifted.

Isolated showers and possible dry thunderstorms with strong winds were expected Friday afternoon. “All vegetation in the area remains critically dry and fire growth is still expected where there isn’t precipitation,” the BLM said.

Muddy Slide Fire: The Muddy Slide Fire — 18 miles west of Kremmling — has burned 4,150 acres and forced evacuations of residents on County Road 16 between mile marker 12 and mile marker 21. The area of the fire received about 0.2 inches of rain on Thursday, which temporarily reduced fire behavior, according to the U.S. Forest Service. 

Firefighters took advantage of the brief reprieve to safely build fire lines close to the blaze. “...While the cooler weathers and moisture help in the short-term, the weather is forecast to turn warm and dry once again,” the Forest Service said.

Sylvan Fire:  The fire is located 16 miles south of Eagle, near Sylvan Lake State Park which is closed for safety reasons, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It has burned 3,752 acres with containment not expected until Aug. 1.

“Though this is a full suppression fire, because of the steep terrain, fuel types, and expected weather, Sylvan Fire could be a long duration incident,” the Forest Service said.

West Fire:  The fire, 80 miles northwest of Craig, has grown to 3,421 acres and is 50% contained. The fire is burning in heavy lodgepole and limber pine surrounded by sagebrush and grasses. No structures are threatened.  

Full containment is forecast for Sunday, according to the BLM.