Multiple agencies are battling a wildfire in southeastern Colorado that has grown to more than 2,000 acres over the weekend, prompting a disaster emergency declaration from Gov. Jared Polis.
The Poitrey Canyon blaze, which started on private property in Las Animas County on Friday and quickly grew, is currently at 2,113 acres with 0% containment, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
Cooler weather on Saturday helped control the spread of the flames, but high winds on Sunday increased fire behavior, officials said Monday. Firefighting crews were able to minimize growth Sunday, but interior pockets were still burning as of Monday morning.
Air tankers and helicopters were assisting firefighting efforts on the ground, and expected rain should help with containment, CDFPC officials said.
Gov. Polis’ verbal disaster declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and mobilizes state and interagency resources to assist with the blaze.