Five active wildfires — the Lee, Elk, Oak, Stoner Mesa and Crosho fires — have charred more than 143,000 acres, or 222 square miles, on the Western Slope in recent days.

Wildfires continue to burn in Rio Blanco County, one of which is the fifth largest in Colorado history. Greg Nieto spoke to a wildfire expert on how the crews make layers of protection around the fires.

A Colorado prison was evacuated as one of the largest wildfires in state history continued to grow, and officials warned residents of remote areas to be ready to leave Sunday as gusty winds and low humidity fed the flames.