West Metro Firefighters Help Battle Colorado Wildfires

LAKEWOOD, CO — Firefighters from across Denver's metro area have been sent to battle some of Colorado's largest wildfires. Crews from West Metro Fire Rescue have been fighting the Cameron Peak Fire, west of Fort Collins, and the massive Pine Gulch Fire near Grand Junction.

As of Wednesday morning the Cameron Peak Fire grew to more than 15,000 acres, officials said. The Pine Gulch Fire has become the second-largest wildfire in Colorado's history — by Wednesday the fire had grown to more than 125,000 acres. In 2002, Colorado's Hayman Fire grew to 137,760 acres.

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 West Metro district's fire danger is rated 'high' this week as Colorado faces extremely dry conditions, district officials said.

Many metro Denver firefighters have taken night shifts battling the wildfires.