Satellite Image Shows Four Colorado Wildfires From Space

A satellite image shows the four wildfires actively burning in the state of Colorado, one of which has become the fourth biggest in state history. The wildfires have collectively burned over 125,000 acres of land and are expected to continue burning for several more weeks.

NASA Earth Observatory shared a satellite image showing the four wildfires currently burning in the state of Colorado. In the image, which was taken on Aug. 15 by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Suomi NPP satellite, one can clearly see the thick smoke coming from the four fires.

Of the four fires, the Pine Gulch Fire is the largest, burning over 85,000 acres since it was ignited by a lightning strike last July 31. It has also become the fourth largest wildfire in Colorado history. Inciweb reports that as of Aug. 17, the Pine Gulch fire is still just 7% contained.

As for the other wildfires in the state, the Grizzly Creek fire has burned over 25,000 acres, the Cameron Peak fire has burned over 13,000 acres and, the Williams Fork fire has burned over 6,000 acres as of Aug. 17.

Although smaller in size compared to the Pine Gulch fire, the three other wildfires are also rapidly growing, with the Cameron Peak fire reportedly doubling in size and the Grizzly Creek fire growing by nearly 6,000 acres just over the past weekend.

Apart from the rough terrain in the areas that are burning, the hot and dry conditions with minimal chances of rain are also making it more difficult to contain the fire but easier for the fire to spread. The fires have also become quite dangerous for firefighters to get too near so the focus now lies on protecting structures and removing any debris that could fuel the fire.

Moderate to heavy smoke from the fires have also been quite problematic, damaging air quality and pushing parts of the state to be placed under an air quality health advisory. As the smoke can cause illnesses, residents, especially those with respiratory illnesses, are being advised to remain indoors especially in places where the smoke is thick.

Last week, state doctors also advised individuals recovering from COVID-19 to limit their time outdoors and to take extra precautions.

Colorado Public Radio reports that several fire incident commanders have urged people to prepare for the fires to continue burning in the coming weeks, with the William Fork Fire likely to persist until October.

"We don't have a lot of relief in sight for weather so we need to be prepared for the long haul," deputy incident commander for the Rocky mountain blue team said, according to the outlet.