A dry, mild winter has left much of Colorado vulnerable to wildfires this summer. The official state forecast calls for an above average core fire season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Conditions are particularly bad in the southeast corner of Colorado which is in extreme drought.
Governor Hickenlooper says Colorado is prepared to fight wildfires with resources that include a fleet of multi-mission planes, helicopters and single engine air tankers. The state is also negotiating an as-needed contract with the global super tanker headquartered out of Colorado Springs. The goal is to jump on fires early so they don't become fire disasters
Last year, the state had a mild wildfire season. Still, there were more than 5,300 wildfires that burned more than 63,000 acres
A majority of major wildfires in Colorado have been human caused. Fire officials are urging Coloradans to take personal responsibility to lower the risk for destructive fires.