Satellite imagery shows wildfire flare ups over weekend across Four Corners states

Colorado to receive brunt of wildfire smoke as breezy southwesterly flows persist going into July 4th weekend

On Saturday, June 27 six large wildfires across the Four Corners states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona were burning. By the afternoon of Sunday, June 28, that number had grown to nine. By Monday, June 29 morning, 10 wildfires in total were ablaze.

Satellite imagery from NOAA’s GOES-19 satellite from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 27 captured the the wildfires’ flare ups.

Smoke plumes and fire growth continued Sunday, June 28 at all wildfire locations. In Lake County, Colorado on the lower slopes of Mount Massive and west of Leadville just a few mile, the Willow Fire began in the afternoon, quickly growing to 1,000 acres before sunset.

A new wildfire, the Aspen Acres Fire, flared up Monday morning, in south central Colorado in Custer County near Beulah Valley.

Colorado, along with its major cities along the Front Range from Fort Collins to Pueblo, have been receiving the brunt of the wildfire smoke from fire burning southwest of the urban centers.

Southwesterly winds are not only pushing the fires northeastward but the smoke as well. This weather pattern is forecast to continue throughout Monday and most of this week heading into the July 4th weekend.

Active major wildfires in Four Corners states:

The newest wildfire, the Aspen Acres Fire southwest of Beulah Valley, Colorado in Custer County, is approximately 362 acres, was reported and 0% contained.

• The newest and largest wildfire, the Willow Fire west of Leadville, Colorado, started Sunday afternoon growing quickly to approximately 1,066 acres and 0% contained.
• The 11 Fire, south of Guffey, Colorado is Fremont County, is approximately 43 acres and 0% contained.
• The Gold Mountain Fire, north of Ouray, Colorado, is approximately 4,276 acres and 0% contained.
• The Snyder Fire, on the Colorado Utah border west of Fruita, Colorado, is approximately 28,264 acres and is 0% contained.
• The Ferris Fire, in Dolores County Colorado near Pleasant View, is approximately 14,482 acres and is 0% contained.
• The Cottonwood Fire, west of Beaver Utah, is approximately 93,918 acres and 0% contained.
• The Pocket Fire, near Sedona Arizona, is approximately 9,553 acres and 0% contained.
• The Babylon Fire, west southwest of Monticello Utah, is approximately 38,399 acres and 0% contained.
• The Beehive Fire, northwest of Tres Piedras New Mexico, is approximately 2,236 acres and 0% contained.

As of Monday, June 29 morning approximately 192,599 acres has burned as a result of these 10 wildfires.

The wildfires will continue spreading throughout the day Monday as very dry conditions persist. Windy conditions are less forecast in the affected areas, with most of Colorado under Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches on Monday.

Expect smoky conditions along the Front Range, possibly worsening into Monday afternoon and evening.