Colorado will face a "challenging" fire season this summer, with officials anticipating as many as 9,000 wildfires across the state.

Why it matters: Wildfires are increasingly threatening homes and businesses, while the smoke worsens air quality and puts vulnerable populations at risk.

Threat level: This winter's low snowpack is elevating the risk of wildfires in Colorado, with 97% of the state experiencing moderate or severe drought conditions.

• At a briefing yesterday in Broomfield, Gov. Jared Polis said the forecast indicates "a significantly increased risk" of wildfires on the Front Range and in western Colorado, particularly in June and July.
• In an average year, Colorado sees 6,000 to 7,000 wildfires, but officials said in "bad years" like this, the tally can reach 8,000 to 9,000 and cover much more acreage.
• Climate change and more people living in wildfire-prone areas are amplifying the risk in Colorado, the governor said.

The big picture: "We are facing a very challenging fire year. Our resources will be tested across not only Colorado, but across the West," said Mike Morgan, director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

Between the lines: This year will test the millions of dollars Colorado has spent on wildfire mitigation, detection and firefighting capabilities. In recent years, the state purchased two Firehawk helicopters equipped with 1,000-gallon water tanks.

• At the briefing, the governor touted his administration's efforts to add firefighting resources and conduct mitigation work. "We can all feel safer because of where we are today, but at the same time, risk has also increased," he said.

What we're watching: Polis and fire officials place the onus on the public to stay vigilant by properly extinguishing campfires and using caution with fireworks.

• About 90% of wildfires are human-caused, and 7% are started by lightning, officials said.
• "Each Coloradan needs to step up and take responsibility," Polis said.

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Gas prices are soaring everywhere, including Colorado.

Zoom in: The state average sat at $4.25 a gallon this week — more than a dollar higher than the average from a year ago, per AAA.

• Nationally, the average price was at $4.30 a gallon, a jump of more than 7 cents from Wednesday and more than a dollar above the $3.18 average a year ago, per AAA.

State of play: Oil prices reached their highest levels since the Iran war began, with Brent crude topping $126 per barrel before pulling back yesterday morning.

Why it matters: The jump in oil prices will keep sending U.S. gasoline higher — and shows the market reacting to the possibility of a stalemate that keeps the Strait of Hormuz throttled.

The intrigue: Pitkin County, home to Aspen, currently has the highest average gas prices in the state at $5.60 a gallon.

Four classics and a recent Oscar juggernaut will headline this year's Film on the Rocks series, kicking off in June.

State of play: The five screenings at Red Rocks Amphitheatre will be accompanied by live performances, event organizer Denver Film announced.

The films include:

• "The Princess Bride" featuring a pre-show performance by School of Rock (June 8 at 8:30pm).
• "Sinners" with a performance by The Reminders (June 22 at 8pm).
• "Little Miss Sunshine" will include DeVotchKa — which contributed to the film's score — as headliner, to mark its 20th anniversary in partnership with the Sundance Film Festival (July 13 at 8:30pm).
• "Bridesmaids" will have a pre-show performance by May Be Fern (Aug. 3 at 8:30pm).
• "Jurassic Park" will feature a pre-show presentation by paleontologist Tyler Lyson (Aug. 10 at 8:30pm).

How it works: General admission tickets are $25. Gates open at 6:30pm and entertainment taking the stage at 7pm.

• VIP reserved spots start at $50, with premium seating available near the amphitheatre's front.

What's next: Tickets are available online starting at 10am today.

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❌ Colorado lawmakers killed a bill to limit law enforcement's use of Flock cameras and surveillance data after opposition from agencies that said it would hurt investigations. (Colorado Sun)

📜 Historic Denver has nominated former Mayor Wellington Webb's home in the Whittier neighborhood as a city landmark. (Gazette 🔑)

📺 E.W. Scripps Co. now controls the majority of news stations in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction after the Federal Communications Commission approved a license exchange Tuesday. (Colorado Sun)

🏢 A developer's plan to build an apartment complex and tear down Denver's Asia Center is generating sharp community opposition. (Denver Post 🔑)

Grab your totes and baskets: Farmers markets are so back.

Local Saturday markets opening tomorrow include:

• City Park Farmers Market — from 8am-1pm at the City Park Esplanade
• Cherry Creek Fresh Market — from 9am-2pm on Steele Street next to Macy's.
• Southwest Plaza Farmers' Market — from 8am-2pm at the parking lot near Panera Bread on West Bowles Avenue in Littleton.

Meanwhile, the South Pearl Farmers Market will run every Sunday starting May 3 from 9am-1pm at 1500 South Pearl St.

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