A rapidly spreading wildfire in southern Colorado (a US state roughly 1,600 km inland from the Pacific coast) has destroyed more than 160 structures and prompted the evacuation of approximately 2,200 residents from Colorado City and surrounding communities. The Aspen Acres Fire, ignited by human activity, has grown to around 272 square kilometres, driven by strong winds, months of dry weather, and record-low snowfall that experts link to climate change. The blaze is one of roughly 40 large wildfires currently burning across the western United States, with Red Flag Warnings remaining in place across much of Colorado as authorities warn that dangerous conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.