The Aspen Acres fire in Colorado has grown into one of the largest wildfires in the state's history, officials say, as crews continue to battle the sprawling blaze. The fire has become a major emergency in the region, with its size placing it among the most significant wildfires Colorado has ever seen.
According to the latest information, the fire has burned nearly 90,000 acres. Despite the efforts of firefighting crews, it remains only 14% contained, underscoring just how far there is to go before the blaze is brought under control.
The fire has been burning for about a week as of now, and its continued spread over that time has allowed it to grow to its current, historic size. The length of the fight reflects the difficult conditions crews have faced as they work to hold the fire's lines.
As the flames have moved across the landscape, they have reached the properties of people living in the area. CBS News Colorado spoke with victims of the Aspen Acres fire, who described watching the blaze bear down on their homes and land.
One resident described the fire coming across his property, saying there was nothing he could do as the flames advanced. Scenes like that have played out for residents caught in the fire's path, with families forced to confront the threat to everything they have built.
With the fire only 14% contained and already ranking among the largest in Colorado history, crews are continuing their work to slow its advance. Authorities are still contending with the blaze a week in, as the community faces the toll of one of the state's most significant wildfires.