A rapidly spreading wildfire, known as the Aspen Acres Fire, has forced thousands of residents in Colorado City and nearby communities to evacuate due to dangerous fire conditions. The blaze, one of about 40 large fires currently burning across the western United States, grew significantly overnight, consuming over 272 square kilometres (105 square miles) by Friday. More than 160 structures have been destroyed in the conflagration, which experts attribute to months of dry weather, record-low snowfall, and climate change. Wildfire smoke has disrupted travel on Interstate 25, reducing visibility to as little as half a mile (0.8 kilometres), and Colorado National Guard soldiers have been deployed to staff road checkpoints and help manage resources. The cause of the Aspen Acres Fire is under investigation, but it is known that humans are responsible. Other fires, such as the Snyder Fire in Colorado and Utah, the Cottonwood Fire in Utah, and the Babylon Fire, continue to ravage neighboring states, creating a dire wildfire situation across the region. The latest fires come less than a week after three firefighters were killed while battling two fires. Wildfire smoke advisories are currently in effect for parts of Colorado, and several professional firework displays have been cancelled due to extreme fire risk. Red Flag Warnings remain in place across much of the state, with forecasters predicting that moister weather over the weekend will help lessen risks but may increase the possibility of flash flooding in recently burned areas.