Roach and Nebraska Fires Bring Lots of Smoke to Weld County Thursday Evening

Many Weld and Larimer County residents seeing heavy smoke as Thursday rolls to a close.  Where's it coming from?

We are checking news sources for updated information about the Roach Fire or any new fires that may be burning to the East of Hwy 85 including Chadron NE.

According to one local news agency:

Smoke from the Roach fire burning about 3 miles south of the Wyoming border in Larimer County covered Greeley on Thursday night, bringing with it a strong smell and turning the moon red.

However, there is a big fire around Chadron NE that forced a bunch of evacuations Thursday and is burning around 60,000 acres over 40 square miles so I have to believe that some of that eastern smoke is from our neighboring state of Nebraska.  Like they haven't had enough heat and drought and now a huge fire.  This fire/s were caused by lighting.

The Roach Fire is located in the northwest portion of Larimer County about 4 miles west northwest of Hohnholtz Lake 3 miles south of the Colorado-Wyoming line. As of 10:30am Thursday no structures were threatened.

On scene at the Roach Fire:

• Seven fire engines
• Bulldozer
• Water tender
• Five 20-person crews
• A type 3 helicopter
• Type 2 helicopter
• Air attack
• 130 people are working on the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and is burning in mountain beetle infested lodgepole pine with 50% containment and about 250 acres.

Update: 11:36pm - Thursday 8/30