As of Thursday (August 27) morning, the Cameron Peak Fire has grown to 22,845 acres since it began on August 13.

Unfortunately, the unpredictability of wildfires means that we're unlikely to stop seeing smoky skies anytime soon.

"Winds could shift and things could change. It might burn until we get our first snow up there. That's the potential," said Melissa Venable, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Colorado Chapter, in our "Tuned In to NoCo" interview. "But it could also just depend on a good rainstorm coming in. There's so many different factors that it's really, really hard to predict [when it will end]. So we keep a really good close eye on it and we work really in tandem with our emergency partners to make sure that...we have our kind of thumb on the pulse of what's going on."

While this uncertainty is daunting, there are ways that we can help our state from the safety of our own homes.

One is by volunteering for or donating to the American Red Cross, which relies on the generosity of the community to provide shelter, support, and more to those affected by natural disasters.

Another way is to consciously prevent wildfires in the future. It may sound simple, but following fire regulations or properly putting out a cigarette could make all the difference.

"You've just got to be extra conditioned to think about those beautiful forests that we love to explore and hike through...that really is just a mountain of full of dry tinder," said Venable. "We all want it to be there for years and years to come so we can all enjoy it, so please just make sure that you do your part to keep it safe."

Self-care is also key. Stay inside, avoid the smoky air, and keep your lungs healthy until it's time to enjoy Colorado's outdoors again.

To learn more about Colorado's wildfires, listen to the full "Tuned In to NoCo" interview with Melissa Venable below.

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How The 2020 Cameron Peak Fire Has Grown

 

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