Southern Colorado
Coverage of Southern Colorado in the Nexus archive.
- Heat on the way out, cooler and storms return
Southern Colorado experiences a heat advisory on Monday, but the weather will transition to include monsoonal-type storms, bringing cooler conditions. The region had a very hot weekend followed by a day of high temperatures before the shift in weather patterns.
- Aspen Acres Fire: Crews respond to lightning-caused fires
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 101,738 acres and is 61% contained as of July 25. 945 personnel are currently battling the lightning-caused fire, with warm and dry weather conditions expected to persist.
- Aspen Acres Fire: Crews respond to lightning-caused fires
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 101,738 acres and is 61% contained as of July 25. 945 personnel are fighting the lightning-caused fire amid warm and dry weekend conditions.
- Aspen Acres Fire reaches 101,738 acres, containment remains at 61%
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 101,738 acres and is 61% contained, with 1,023 personnel battling the blaze. Warmer weather, with temperatures in the 90s, is expected to settle in the region.
- Beginning of a warm and dry pattern east of the mountains, rain west
Southern Colorado will experience afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Friday, with reduced storm coverage east of the mountains and more activity in higher terrain areas. An area of high pressure settling over the Four Corners is influencing the weather pattern.
- Flash flood watch issued for Aspen Acres Fire burn scar through midnight
A flash flood watch is in effect for the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar in Southern Colorado through midnight. The fire covers 101,546 acres and is 61% contained with 1,163 personnel involved in firefighting. Operations section chief Ben Wagner stated, 'Overall, things are looking really good.'
- More rain on the way for Thursday
Southern Colorado will experience widespread showers and thunderstorms on Thursday due to a passing shortwave disturbance and monsoonal moisture. Activity will increase after lunchtime following a morning lull.
- Heavy rain Thursday may bring a risk of urban and burn scar flooding
Heavy rain from an active monsoon weather pattern is expected in Southern Colorado on Thursday, increasing the risk of urban and burn scar flooding, particularly in the Aspen Acres fire zone. Multiple rounds of rain and thunderstorms are forecast across the region, with specific impacts detailed for cities like Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and others.
- Aspen Acres Fire protections near Rye strengthened
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 101,546 acres and is 61% contained as of July 22. A team of 1,255 personnel is working to combat the fire under the leadership of Incident Commander Rich Cowger from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6.
- Aspen Acres fire crews to shore up defenses around homes in southern Colorado
Aspen Acres fire crews in southern Colorado are reinforcing defenses around homes as moderate fire activity continues at the state’s largest fire. Heavy rain has helped reduce activity in other fires across the state.
- What does wildfire containment actually mean?
The Aspen Acres fire in Southern Colorado has burned over 100,000 acres and is 61% contained. Despite this progress, recent evacuations of residents who had previously returned home highlight that containment is only the initial phase of firefighting efforts.
- Aspen Acres Fire: Weather drives fire growth spurt
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has grown to 101,546 acres with 61% containment as of July 21, involving 1,256 personnel. Incident Commander Rich Cowger reported on fire operations.
- Aspen Acres Fire: Weather drives fire growth spurt
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has grown to 101,546 acres and is 61% contained as of July 21. Incident Commander Rich Cowger reported 1,256 personnel are involved in firefighting efforts, with weather driving recent fire growth.
- Warm again with small chance showers
Southern Colorado will experience warmer temperatures in the 90s along the I-25 corridor as monsoonal moisture returns, with conditions less extreme than the previous day's triple-digit heat.
- Wildfires causing uptick in bear encounters
Wildfires in Southern Colorado have displaced bears, leading to 20 reported encounters this week around the Aspen Acres burn area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning communities about increased bear presence due to the fire pushing animals out of their habitats.
- Aspen Acres Fire: Containment holds, challenges persist near Rye
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 100,756 acres and is 61% contained as of July 20, with 1,309 personnel involved in firefighting efforts. A community meeting is scheduled in Colorado City to address ongoing challenges near Rye.
- Very hot conditions for Monday across Southern Colorado
Southern Colorado will experience the hottest day of the week due to a strong high-pressure system, resulting in hot and dry conditions east of the mountains. Monsoonal moisture will bring afternoon showers and thunderstorms to western Colorado.
- Heat Advisories Will Be in Place for Parts of Southern Colorado on Monday
Heat advisories are in effect for parts of Southern Colorado on Monday, with temperatures reaching into the triple digits in areas like El Paso County, Monument, Black Forest, and the eastern plains. The heat is expected to subside by Tuesday as monsoonal moisture arrives, though high UV indexes and record-breaking highs are anticipated for the day.
- Aspen Acres Fire size, containment hold steady
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 100,400 acres as of July 19 and is 61% contained. Rich Cowger, the incident commander from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6, reported the status with 1,566 personnel involved.
- Aspen Acres Fire over 100,000 acres, over 60% contained
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 100,224 acres and is 61% contained as of July 18. The fire is being fought by 1,611 personnel under the management of Incident Commander Rich Cowger from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6.
- Aspen Acres Fire over 100,000 acres, over 60% contained
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 100,224 acres and is 61% contained as of July 18, according to the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6. A community meeting was held on July 17 to discuss the fire's impact.
- Flood danger grows around Aspen Acres burn scar
Residents affected by the Aspen Acres Fire now face increased flood risks as monsoon season approaches, with many lacking flood insurance. A flash flood watch is in effect for the burn scar area for most of next week, raising concerns about potential property damage for uncovered homes.
- New legislation may help those exposed to uranium
New legislation under consideration in Washington aims to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, offering financial relief to Southern Colorado communities affected by radiation from the U.S. government's nuclear weapons program.
- Warm and dry for plains continues with mountain showers
Warm and dry weather persists in Southern Colorado due to a strong high-pressure ridge, while some areas experience rain and storms. The ridge spans the central United States, affecting regional weather patterns.
- Aspen Acres fire leaps over containment line as hot, dry conditions continue in southern Colorado
The Aspen Acres fire in southern Colorado has exceeded 99,820 acres and breached a containment line due to hot, dry conditions. Additional updates are provided for the Gold Mountain, Willow, Ferris, Fishhook, Green Ridge, and Elk fires.
- Dry for the plains, mountains recieve some rain
Southern Colorado experiences warm and dry weather due to a strong high-pressure ridge, while some areas in the country receive rain and storms.
- Aspen Acres Fire: New Incident Command Team takes over
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 99,077 acres and is 36% contained as of July 14. A new Incident Command Team, led by Incident Commander Rich Cowger, is managing the fire with 1,767 personnel involved in firefighting operations.
- Warm and dry for interstate and plains with mountain showers
Hot and dry weather persists across Southern Colorado and the Interstate 25 corridor due to a high-pressure ridge, while mountain areas experience monsoon moisture. The eastern plains remain dry, with the exception of mountain showers.
- Polis thanks workers who rebuilt Beulah bridge overnight, visits Disaster Assistance Center
Governor Jared Polis thanked workers who rebuilt the Beulah bridge overnight and visited the Disaster Assistance Center in Pueblo for Aspen Acres Fire victims. The bridge near Beulah burned, prompting the overnight reconstruction effort.
- Hot and dry pattern continues into Tuesday
Hot and dry weather persists in Southern Colorado due to a high-pressure ridge over the Central Plains, leading to above-average temperatures and limited rain outside mountainous areas. The pattern is expected to continue into Tuesday, with the Interstate 25 corridor and lower elevations experiencing the most significant impacts.
- Alaska CIMT1 to hand off lead of Aspen Acres Fire to Northern Rockies CIMT6
The Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) is handing off leadership of the Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado to the Northern Rockies CIMT6. As of July 13, the fire has burned 98,609 acres and is 36% contained, with 1,915 personnel involved in firefighting efforts.
- Hot and dry pattern to start the week
Hot and dry weather persists in Southern Colorado due to a strong high-pressure ridge over the Rockies and Central Plains. This pattern is limiting rain chances and causing above-average temperatures, particularly affecting the Interstate 25 corridor and eastern plains.
- Aspen Acres Fire: Containment steadily increases
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 98,100 acres and is 35% contained as of July 12. Jake Livingstone, incident commander from the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1, reported 1,934 personnel are battling the fire. Sheriff Richard Smith will host a community meeting.
- Hot and dry pattern takes full shape
Southern Colorado experiences a warm and dry day with high pressure strengthening over the Rockies. Isolated thunderstorms develop in the mountains during the afternoon and evening.
- Aspen Acres Fire at 97,505 acres and 34% contained
The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 97,505 acres and is 34% contained. Incident Commander Jake Livingstone reported 1,922 personnel are involved in firefighting operations.
- Isolated storms in southern Colorado Friday ahead of long-duration heat
Isolated thunderstorms are expected in southern Colorado Friday, with decreasing storm coverage and potential severe weather hazards like hail and wind gusts. A high-pressure system will bring prolonged heat starting Saturday, with temperatures rising significantly across the region.
- Last day of some meaningful moisture before hot and dry pattern
Southern Colorado experiences its last day of significant moisture and thunderstorms before transitioning to a hotter, drier weather pattern. Friday starts with pleasant conditions but will see increased cloud cover and potential thunderstorms in the afternoon.
- Mercy Chefs helping fire victims in Colorado
Mercy Chefs is providing assistance to fire victims in southern Colorado, where a massive fire has been spreading for 11 days, destroying homes and causing mass evacuations. A local resident described the fire's intensity and heavy smoke.
- Map shows fire personnel from dozens of states helping to battle Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado
Fire personnel from approximately 30 states are assisting in battling the Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado. A community meeting about the fire will be held at Florence Jr./Sr. High School, with FOX21 News providing in-person coverage and a livestream.
- Rain showers and storms during the afternoon
Southern Colorado is experiencing rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon due to an upper-level disturbance. The weather pattern is similar to yesterday's, with surface moisture contributing to storm development.