Pine Gulch Fire Becomes Largest Wildfire In Colorado History

COLORADO — The Pine Gulch Fire, which grew to 139,006 acres Thursday, has become the largest wildfire in Colorado's history. The Hayman Fire burned 137,760 acres in 2002.

The Pine Gulch Fire is burning on the western slope north of Grand Junction, mostly on U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

The fire was 77 percent contained Thursday, and few buildings have been threatened. However, evacuation orders were issued to residents near Kimball Mountain Road, County Road 2015 and CR 256 between Browns Point and Kimball Mountain Road. The wildfire has also caused power outages.

More than 900 personnel remained fighting the wildfire Thursday.

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Earlier this month, Gov. Jared Polis announced a 30-day ban on open fires in Colorado, as wildfires grew under extremely dry conditions. The ban includes fireworks, campfires and other open sources of ignition. Covered home fire pits and BBQs are permitted.