Pine Gulch Fire Is 2nd Largest Wildfire In Colorado History

MESA COUNTY, CO — The Pine Gulch Fire has become the second-largest wildfire in Colorado's history, fire officials confirmed Wednesday. The fire is burning on the western slope north of Grand Junction, and sending smoke throughout the state.

As of Wednesday morning, the fire had grown to more than 125,000 acres at 7 percent containment, officials said. In 2002, Colorado's Hayman Fire grew to 137,760 acres.

Pre-evacuation orders were issued Tuesday night to residents near Kimball Mountain Road, County Road 2015 and CR 256 between Browns Point and Kimball Mountain Road.

With more than five large wildfires burning in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis announced a 30-day ban on open fires in the state. The ban includes fireworks, campfires and other open sources of ignition. Covered home fire pits and BBQs are permitted.

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The Pine Gulch Fire was caused by lightning, but the Williams Fork Fire, near Fraser, was caused by people, fire officials said.

The wildfires are growing under extremely dry weather in Colorado.