Willow Fire Swells to 2,969 Acres as Lake County Expands Evacuation Orders

3 articles · Updated · The Ark Valley Voice · Jul 5

Lake County expanded mandatory and pre-evacuation orders after the Willow Fire grew to 2,969 acres west of Leadville, with Zone 9 added to pre-evacuation status and sheriff's teams going door to door.
446 personnel are battling the blaze, which was reported at zero percent containment in the main update and one percent in a later note, as hot, dry fuels and afternoon winds keep fire behavior active in steep terrain.
Crews secured two spot fires on the northwest flank, strengthened firelines toward Turquoise Lake, and installed pumps and hose systems to protect homes, infrastructure and the Leadville National Fish Hatchery.
Saturday's plan calls for point protection and indirect containment lines near Turquoise Lake and the hatchery, with possible strategic firing on the south end and aerial water drops near transmission infrastructure.
Road, trail, campground and recreation closures remain in place through the holiday weekend, while isolated dry thunderstorms and strong outflow winds could still intensify the fire despite easing winds.