While thunderstorms this afternoon could bring rain to western Colorado on Friday afternoon, officials said they could make fires worse if high winds fan flames or lightning strikes spark new blazes.

The Lee fire, the fifth-largest in Colorado history, grew more slowly overnight, and firefighters chipped away at containing it. They made greater headway against the Elk fire, bringing it to more than 90% containment. The fires burn on opposite sides of Colorado 13 near Meeker.

Fire officials also reported progress against the Turner Gulch fire in southwest Colorado on Thursday. The Stoner Mesa fire near Dolores held steady, while the Crosho fire near Yampa grew.

Smoke remained a hazard for much of western Colorado on Friday, and two counties issued restrictions on most types of open flame

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