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Flash Flooding Feared As 416 Fire Continues To Rage

DURANGO, Colo. (CBS NEWS) - At least 18 large wildfires burning in eight Western states have torched nearly 155,000 acres. Near Durango, more than 1,000 firefighters are trying to control a drought-fueled fire in the San Juan National Forest.

The 416 fire in Hermosa, Colorado
HERMOSA, CO - JUNE 13: Burned trees and scorched earth can be seen in the forest where the 416 fire burned on June 13, 2018 near Hermosa, Colorado. The fire, burning 23 miles northwest of Durango, started June 1 and has now burned 26,500 acres. The fire is 15% contained. No homes have burned and no firefighters have been injured. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

As of Friday, the 416 Fire was only 18 percent contained, burning more than 32,000 acres in the last two weeks. Firefighters are trying to stay ahead of the flames, digging fire lines and laying hose in case gusty winds send embers flying.

416 Fire
(credit: Sen. Michael Bennet/Twitter)

The wildfires are moving quickly. When they pass through, it's a wave of flames 50 to 60 feet high -- sometimes over the tree line. Conditions are so volatile that if the winds shift, the fire could sweep through once again.

The 416 fire in Hermosa, Colorado
HERMOSA, CO - JUNE 14: A firefighter takes ice to his crew as he makes his way through fire camp before heading back out on the fire line of the 416 Fire on June 14, 2018 in Hermosa, Colorado. The fire is estimated at about 32,000 acres with only 15% containment. Predicted thunderstorms may bring strong outflow winds and increase the potential for extreme fire behavior today. The fire, burning 23 miles northwest of Durango, started June 1. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

This weekend, a storm in the forecast could bring relief, but also new problems. With the remnants of post-tropical cyclone Bud moving in overnight, crews are worried about flash floods.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Colson said areas with burned-out vegetation can become trouble spots in the rain.

The 416 fire in Hermosa, Colorado
DURANGO, CO - JUNE 14: Analee Gilpin, in shorts, her twin sister Tava, both 9, Laura Wegner, seated, and her son Silas, 3, wave at firefighters during shift change as they come on and off the fire line of the 416 Fire along Junction Street on June 14, 2018 in Durango, Colorado. The fire is currently 32,959 acres with 18% containment.(Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

"Sometimes it dams up and a lot of water will build up behind it," he said. "That will release and then we get that flash flood moving down the slope."

Crews are bringing in a hydrologist, which is a water expert, to try and pinpoint areas that could be prone to flash floods. A roadblock is still set up to keep people away from the flames, and some people are being let in temporarily, but only if their area is safe.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Living With Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile), the deadliest (Storm King) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

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