As large wildfires scorch the Colorado landscape and rising temperatures threaten to ignite more, fire departments across the state are facing a critical challenge: a delicate balancing act between helping neighbors and protecting their own backyards.

Large wildfires are also burning in California and Arizona, with the Gifford fire having burned over 114,600 acres and the Dragon Bravo fire in the Grand Canyon scorching around 143,500 acres.

In western Colorado, firefighters are up against windy, hot weather as they try to protect homes and infrastructure from a pair of lightning-caused wildfires.