Firefighting

Firefighters are on the third day of battling a fire in the Spokane area, with residents assessing the resulting devastation.

A specialized K-MAX helicopter, used in firefighting, logging, and construction, crashed near Ouray, killing a pilot whose identity has not been publicly disclosed. The helicopter belonged to a Georgia-based company.

Thunderstorms in southern Colorado today bring heavy rainfall beneficial for firefighting but pose flash flooding risks in burn scar areas, particularly under a Flash Flood Watch for the Aspen Acres fire. Cooler temperatures and increased storm activity are expected, with varying forecasts across regions including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and mountain zones.