US: Massive Smoke Tower Rises Above Colorado Wildfire As Blaze Continues To Spread.

Colorado, United States - July 16, 2026 A towering column of dark gray and brown smoke rises above the PL Gulch Fire, revealing the scale of the fast-growing wildfire burning across northwest Colorado. The video captures the enormous smoke plume billowing high into the sky over a scorched landscape of ash-covered ground, blackened trees, and burned shrubs. Power lines and utility poles remain standing amid the burn scar as the camera pans across the devastated terrain. The human-caused fire, which ignited Monday afternoon southwest of Meeker, has burned through pinyon-juniper, sagebrush, and grass fuels in rugged terrain. The wildfire has grown to approximately 1,580 acres and is 15% contained, with active running, long-range spotting, and torching reported. A Type-3 Incident Management Team is preparing to assume command to strengthen leadership and operational capacity. Firefighters are working to contain the fire north and east of County Road 5, south of County Road 76, and west of County Road 3 while constructing handlines, reinforcing containment, and protecting nearby homes as well as oil and gas infrastructure. Evacuations remain in effect for portions of County Road 5, and road closures continue for public safety. Around 125 personnel, supported by ground and aerial resources, remain assigned to the fire as gusty winds and possible thunderstorm outflows challenge suppression efforts. The cause remains under investigation.