The Aspen Acres Fire grew 743 acres from July 15 to July 16 and remained 36% contained as of Thursday morning.

The fire has now burned 99,820 acres total in Pueblo and Custer counties, along with at least 337 homes and more than 850 structures.

Fire activity increased on the southwest side of the fire on Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rose and winds increased, according to Northern Rockies Critical Incident Management Team 6.

Wednesday's progress, Thursday's plans

A spot fire crossed one of two defensive lines that were still under construction on the south side of the area dubbed by fire officials as the “chicken foot,” to the west of Rye on Wednesday, but "swift and aggressive response by firefighters on the ground, dozers, and firefighting aircraft dropping water and retardant was successful in catching the spot fire."

Drones with infrared capabilities were deployed Wednesday night to monitor for hot spots in the area, and firefighters responded. Crews, machinery, and aircraft were all deployed in that area again Thursday, as fire activity was expected to increase in the afternoon.

Those conditions are why evacuation orders remain in effect for Rye and other communities on the west side of the fire. While "huge progress has been made," the wildfire is still uncontained and is a potential threat to life and property.

Firefighters continue working day and night, striving toward additional containment.