US EditionColorado Wildfires: Gov. Polis Activates National Guard, All of Meeker on Pre-Evacuation Status
RIO BLANCO COUNTY, COLORADO, AUG 6 – The lightning-sparked Lee Fire has grown to over 22,000 acres with zero containment, while the Elk Fire burns more than 8,000 acres amid extreme drought and red flag warnings.
- On August 6, 2025, the Lee Fire near Meeker in Rio Blanco County nearly doubled to 22,497 acres, spreading east toward Colorado Highway 13 and south.
- After lightning strikes on August 2, critically low fuel moisture on steep slopes and wind-exposed mesas fueled rapid spread, driven by Red Flag weather in Rio Blanco County.
- Fire managers deployed aerial tankers, 14 aircraft, 15 engines, 14 hand crews, and heavy equipment, with over 470 personnel working on containment, as of Thursday morning.
- Amid poor air quality, zones 40, 50, 51 and 54 faced full 'Go' evacuation orders Wednesday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- Colorado's wildfire season now ranks among the worst since 2020, as Gov. Jared Polis mobilized the National Guard and activated state emergency operations through Saturday.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Colorado wildfires: Gov. Polis activates National Guard, all of Meeker on pre-evacuation status
DENVER — Two uncontained wildfires have charred thousands of acres and reached within a mile of the Western Slope town of Meeker, forcing evacuations as the flames jump highways and the threaten to cross the White River.
Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Sky Hi NewsRio Blanco fires remain zero percent contained Thursday morning; Evacuation shelters established in Craig and Rangely
The Elk and Lee fires in Rio Blanco County remained zero percent contained as of Thursday morning, with hot, dry and windy weather conditions worsening the spread on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office. Evacuation shelters have been established at the Moffat County High School in Craig, 900 Finley Lane, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rangely, 125 Eagle Crest Street, according to Wat…
Denver Post
union-bulletin.comColorado wildfires: Polis activates National Guard as Meeker fires scorch nearly 60,000 acres
Four wildfires burning in western Colorado have consumed nearly 61,000 acres, according to fire officials. The majority of the burn area is dominated by the Lee and Elk fires burning near Meeker in Rio Blanco County. The two lightning-sparked wildfires had scorched 45,000 acres and 14,250 acres, respectively, as of Wednesday evening. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis mobilized the state’s National Guard on Wednesday to support firefighting efforts near …
Rio Blanco fires reach 30,000-plus total acres; Meeker residents prepare for evacuations
The Elk and Lee fires in Rio Blanco County remained zero percent contained as of Wednesday morning, according to an 8 a.m. news release from the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office. Meeker residents were issued pre-evacuation orders around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. The Elk Fire, east of Meeker, had reached over 8,300 acres, according to the release. The Lee Fire, west of Meeker, had reached nearly 22,500 acres as of Wednesday morning. Residents and vi…
Rio Blanco fires reach nearly 60,000 acres combined; Evacuation shelters established in Craig and Rangely
The Elk and Lee fires in Rio Blanco County remained zero percent contained as of Thursday morning, with hot, dry and windy weather conditions worsening the spread that occurred on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office. Evacuation shelters have been established at the Moffat County High School in Craig, 900 Finley Lane, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rangely, 125 Eagle Crest Street, ac…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
