US: Wildfires rage in Utah and Colorado as of July 6

Event

Wildfires continued to burn in Utah and Colorado as of Friday, July 6. Notably, in Utah, the so-called Dollar Ridge Fire, located 12 km (8 mi) southwest of Duchesne (Duschesne county), had burned some 19,300 hectares (47,685 acres) as of Friday evening and was only 5 percent contained. The fire has led to a high concentration of particulate matter in nearby Utah county (home to Provo), raising respiratory health concerns. The blaze has destroyed at least 90 homes and forced the evacuations of 1100 people from threatened areas. Forecast hot and dry weather in the area is expected to facilitate the spread of the blaze in the coming days.

In Colorado, the Spring Creek Fire had spread to become the largest active wildfire in the state as of Friday, burning some 42,790 hectares (105,735 acres) with 40 percent containment reported. The blaze - centered 14.5 km (9 mi) northeast of Fort Garland (Costilla county) and burning in Costilla and Huerfano counties - had destroyed over 130 homes and forced the evacuations of more than 2000 people in three counties. The fire is expected to spread in the coming days. Consequent road closures and further evacuations are expected in the near-term.

Context

Hot, dry weather conditions and high winds contribute to the spread of wildfires, which generally affect the western US during the summer and fall months.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the vicinities of the fires, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (i.e. evacuation orders).