Several states and Canadian provinces are currently dealing with out of control fires. Thanks to scorching summer temperatures and warm winds, residents have been evacuated from their homes in Colorado.
The blaze has led to a massive plume of smoke seen miles away from the source as of July 29 and evacuation orders are expected to continue as firefighters struggle to get the fire under control.
Alexander Mountain Fire
The fire began around lunchtime on Monday near Loveland, Colorado.
The wildfire quickly spread to more than several hundred acres according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Evacuation Issued
Nearby residents have been forced to evacuate their homes and roads leading to the devastated area have been closed to ensure safety.
More home owners on the shoulder of the mountain towns have been told that evacuation orders are most likely coming and they should be packing up, putting gas in their cars, and preparing to leave.
Smart Residents Have a Plan
Smart thinking residents have remembered how certain homes survived the devastating Lahaina fires in Hawaii last year by turning on their sprinkler systems.
Although rather small and seemingly ineffectual, the constant stream of water and moist lawn helps dampen the fire as it encroached the property line. Several home owners in the area have turned on their sprinkler systems before leaving their homes.
The Fire Is Closing in on Boulder
The massive plume of black smoke is visible around 30 miles south of the affected area.
Residents of Boulder, Colorado, are now becoming weary as the fast-moving flames are headed directly for the forested area.
Similar Issues in California
With temperatures regularly reaching well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, nearby state California has been battling deadly blazes for months.
Several thousand acres of woods and even a national landmark have all burned to the ground following the outbreak of deadly wildfires in the Golden State.
Dry Weather Makes the Problem Worse
As summer marches forward, the lack of rain and the long, hot days exacerbate the issues with the wildfires around the nation.
In Eastern Washington, there has been some rain activity and officials hope that the trend can continue down into Colorado to help extinguish some of the blaze.
Firefighters Are Struggling
Due to the intense winds the areas, firefighters have had a difficult time battling the fire just outside of Boulder.
More help will be needed to fight the blaze and state officials may need to request for the national fire service to be deployed.
1,000 Acres Affected
As of Tuesday morning, officials note that the fire has spread to more than 1,000 acres in the Colorado wilderness with 0% containment so far.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office reported that the fire is still growing west of Loveland and more assistance will be needed to contain the fire.
National Forest on Fire
As reported by the U.S. Forest Service, the fire began burning in the Roosevelt National Forest, around 108 miles northwest of Denver.
The federal agency updated the size of the fire to just under 1,000 acres and spreading rapidly.
Horsetooth Reservoir Closed
The Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular summer recreational spot in Larimer County. Unfortunately, because of the fire, the popular lake has been closed to boating and “all other forms of water recreation.”
The tough decision was made to assist the wildfire response with helicopter refills, per the county’s Department of National Resources.
Evacuations Still Mandatory on Alexander Mountain
The Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority reported that the evacuations were previously voluntary but were made mandatory as of Tuesday morning.
Evacuation centers have been set up in nearby towns to help residents with nowhere else to go.
