Multi-state domestic wildfires; Aspen Acres now 96,000 acres; new fires in NV, WA, OR, CA, AR, NM; FEMA/DHS strained
Key Questions
What is the current status of the Aspen Acres Fire in Colorado?
The Aspen Acres Fire has burned 91,523 acres with 12% containment and is the seventh largest in Colorado history. It has destroyed over 180 structures, caused three firefighter deaths, and prompted new mandatory evacuations in Fremont County while a supermax prison shelters in place.
How large is the Ferris Fire and what evacuation measures are in place?
The Ferris Fire now exceeds 57,000 acres with expanding pre-evacuation zones for residents south of the fire. Containment efforts continue amid ongoing wildfire activity across Colorado.
What happened during the Chelan Hills Fire in Washington?
The Chelan Hills Fire has burned 9,000 acres, destroyed over 100 structures, and resulted in one confirmed civilian death along with multiple fire vehicles lost. The human-caused fire is now under criminal investigation with Level 3 evacuations in effect.
Are there Level 3 evacuations in Vantage, Washington?
Yes, Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation orders have been issued for Vantage with a portion of I-90 closed due to the wildfires. Additional Level 3 orders apply near Okanogan and other Washington areas.
Which other states are experiencing active wildfires?
Wildfires are burning across California, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, and British Columbia in addition to Colorado and Washington. New fires include the Maze Fire in Idaho and evacuations near Rexburg, while the Volcano Fire in California is 60% contained.
What resources are being strained by the multi-state wildfires?
FEMA and DHS resources are under ongoing strain from the widespread fires requiring federal assistance. FEMA funding has been approved for the Willow Fire in Colorado.
What is the status of the Willow Fire in Colorado?
The Willow Fire covers approximately 4,000 acres with only 1% containment, leading to new evacuations and airport closure. FEMA funding has been approved to support response efforts.
Are there wildfires outside the United States mentioned in the updates?
Yes, a human-caused wildfire near Boston Bar, BC, has evacuated 120 properties with air-quality warnings, and Portugal is experiencing thousands of hectares burned with serious injuries during a prolonged heatwave.
Multiple wildfires burning across CO, WA, OR, NV, CA, ID, NM, AR and other states. Aspen Acres Fire (CO) now 96,000 acres, 15% containment, new mandatory evacuations in Fremont County, 7th largest in CO history, 180+ structures destroyed, 3 firefighter deaths. New: Hawk Fire (NV) 10,500+ acres, state of emergency, evacuations near Reno. Colwash Fire (WA) 8,000 acres, Level 3 'GO NOW' expanding. Hagen Fire (OR) nearly 60,000 acres, extensive Level 3 evacuations. Timber Fire (CA) 7,591 acres, new evacuation orders, 500+ structures threatened. Union County (AR) wildfire – state of emergency. Frijoles Fire (NM) – armed individuals threatened firefighters, perpetrators at large. Other major fires: Ferris, Gold Mountain, Chelan Hills, B and O, Salmon/Greenhorn, etc. Ongoing strain on FEMA/DHS resources.