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.

RIO BLANCO COUNTY, Colo. — The Lee Fire in Rio Blanco County has grown to the sixth largest in Colorado history, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. The fire was mapped with infrared technology at more than 106,000 acres as of Sunday.