News Summary
Firefighters in Western Colorado are grappling with the rapidly expanding Lee Fire, which has now reached over 92,000 acres and remains completely uncontained. New evacuation zones have been established, particularly affecting Zones 63 and 70. Meanwhile, the Elk Fire has impacted over 14,600 acres and is 8% contained. Local communities are rallying to support evacuees and emergency personnel, with shelters set up for displaced residents and livestock. Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster, emphasizing the ongoing community spirit in the face of adversity.
Latest Updates on the Lee and Elk Fires in Western Colorado
Firefighters in Western Colorado are facing a tough battle as the Lee Fire continues to grow, reaching an alarming size of over 92,000 acres as of Saturday afternoon. This fierce wildfire, now dubbed the sixth-largest in Colorado since 2001, has unfortunately expanded since its inception, prompting authorities to request new evacuations in areas to the south. As of the most recent update, the Lee Fire remains completely uncontained at 0%.
Fire Details and Evacuation Zones
The current landscape of the fire has seen the Lee Fire burn 88,877 acres by Saturday morning, but that number swelled to 92,047 acres as the day progressed. With the fire marching forward relentlessly, new evacuation zones have been declared, most notably affecting Zones 63 and 70, which are currently under “Go” status—this means residents need to evacuate immediately.
Fortunately, the evacuation status in Meeker was downgraded to “ready” late Friday night as shifting winds pushed the fire’s threat away from the town. However, nearby areas are still on high alert, with Zone 66 also designated as “Ready”, hinting at potential future evacuations.
The Elk Fire in Perspective
Simultaneously, the Elk Fire, located southeast of Meeker, has affected 14,635 acres and is currently 8% contained. Together, these fires have mobilized over 1,200 personnel, who are working tirelessly to bring the wildfires under control. The volunteers and firefighters face not only the flames but also the challenges posed by rough terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
Impact on Local Communities
As smoke and ash spread from the flames, visibility has reduced significantly, affecting areas as far away as Rifle and Parachute. In response to the wildfire crisis, the Rifle Correctional Center is being evacuated as a precautionary measure. Local authorities are encouraging residents who may need extra time to evacuate to do so now, rather than waiting until things get more dire.
Safety and Assistance for Evacuees
Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate evacuees, with locations at Moffat County High School in Craig, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rangley, and an evacuation center at the Fairfield Center in Meeker. Meanwhile, the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds is providing essential emergency shelter for evacuated livestock, showing the community’s strong commitment to protecting both residents and their animals.
Firefighting Efforts and Community Support
Firefighters are concentrated on preventing the fire from crossing east of Highway 13, where it would be difficult to control. National Guard helicopters have joined the firefighting efforts, providing crucial support from the air. With the Lee Fire creating its own weather systems, including towering pyrocumulus clouds reaching heights of 30,000 feet, conditions are unpredictable and challenging for the brave men and women on the ground.
To lend support to those who are affected, the community of Meeker is coming together to provide assistance to both evacuees and emergency personnel. Many local ranchers are actively involved in helping with livestock rescue efforts, emphasizing the strong community spirit amid crisis.
Conclusion
With Governor Jared Polis declaring a disaster and mobilizing the Colorado National Guard, the situation continues to evolve. The impact on thousands of residents in the region is significant, but the resilience of the community shines through in these challenging times.
As the flames rage on, everyone’s safety remains the top priority, and continuous efforts are being made to manage this fire emergency effectively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Denver Post: Meeker Fire Updates
- Colorado Sun: Lee Fire Growth
- CBS News: Meeker Evacuation Status
- 9News: Mandatory Evacuation Lee Fire
- Colorado Sun: Lee Wildfire Weather System
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Google Search: Lee Fire Colorado
- Google Scholar: Wildfire Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Google News: Lee Fire
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
