Update on Major Wildfires Burning in the Western U.S.

Wildfire season in the western U.S. is ramping up with several blazes burning throughout California, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Extreme heat, gusty winds, and an abundance of dry fuels are serving as the impetus for these wildfires. Read on for an update on the largest wildfires burning in this part of the country.

Update on Colorado's Lee and Elk Fires

Burning in the northwestern corner of Colorado, the Lee Fire is approaching megafire territory in size and scope. The Lee Fire is burning roughly 200 miles west of Denver, with the fuels reaching heights of over 100 feet.

This fire is feasting on the low moisture levels across much of Colorado. As of late Tuesday, the inferno had burned over 117,000 acres and was less than 10% contained. The flames are spreading at a speed of over 1 mph, making it difficult for the 1,250 fire crews on the scene to bring it under control.

The Lee Fire is now the fifth-largest fire in Colorado history. The primary area of action is on the southern flank of the fire. At least three structures have been destroyed at the hands of the Lee Fire. Authorities said that the Lee Fire was started by lightning over the first weekend of August.

Elsewhere in the state, the Elk Fire has burned nearly 15,000 acres as it spread about 11 miles east of the city of Meeker. Local officials believe that a lightning strike is also to blame for the Elk Fire. The latest update has the fire at about 30% containment with favorable weather conditions early in the week helping crews to get a better handle on the flames.

Update on California's Canyon and Gifford Fires

The good news in California is that the Canyon Fire has almost reached full containment. This fire ignited on Thursday afternoon in Ventura County, located to the north of Los Angeles. Evacuation orders were mandated for about 4,200 residents during the peak of the activity. The Canyon Fire has burned well over 5,000 acres.

The Canyon Fire is not the only major blaze burning in the Golden State. The Gifford Fire is currently spreading through the Los Padres National Forest, straddling both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. According to the late Tuesday update by CalFire, the Gifford Fire has burned over 122,000 acres with a containment of about 33%.

Massive smoke columns rising into the air from the Gifford Fire have triggered erratic winds that are accelerating the growth of this blaze. Evacuation orders are still in effect for several communities, with almost 500 structures under the threat.

The state of California is on pace to experience one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent years. Over 355,000 have already been scorched across the state with the heart of the typical season still ahead.

Update on Arizona's Dragon Bravo Fire

The Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona has been burning for over one month. This megafire was started on the Fourth of July along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), this fire is currently the largest active blaze in the Lower 48 of the U.S.

The NIFC said that the fire has burned about 143,000 acres. Containment is hovering around 45% with worsening weather conditions creating unpredictable behavior throughout the northern and southwestern flanks.

The Rest of the West

Wildfire activity is also increasing across parts of Utah and Nevada. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was forced to declare a state of emergency recently when hundreds of fires ignited across the region.

For instance, the Monroe Canyon Fire has singed about 72,000 acres in the central part of the state. This fire is approximately 36% contained. Cox is urging residents to be mindful of the truth that almost 75% of the fires this year have been caused by humans.

We will continue to stay on top of the growth and containment of these fires and throughout the rest of the wildfire season.

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