More than half a dozen wildfires continued to burn across Colorado Monday morning, but firefighters have been able to get control over several of the blazes as hot and dry conditions — especially in western and southern portions of the state — pose risks for new fires to start.
The newest wildfire — the Oak fire — sparked on Sunday afternoon in Pagosa Springs and resulted in mandatory evacuations in the Elk Park subdivision, including Elk Park, according to the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office . Pre-evacuation orders were also issued for other areas around the city.
As of Sunday night, the Oak fire was at 75 acres, prompting Gov. Jared Polis to declare a disaster emergency and authorize the National Guard to assist as needed.
The state’s largest wildfire, the Lee fire, burning near M