US EditionFour State Wildlife Areas Closed as Lee and Elk Fires Continue to Burn, Threatening Homes in Rio Blanco County
RIO BLANCO COUNTY, COLORADO, AUG 6 – Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency to mobilize resources against the Elk and Lee fires, which have burned over 30,000 acres and remain 0% contained, officials said.
- Amid rapid fire growth, officials ordered evacuations as the Elk Fire and Lee Fire grew to over 30,000 acres with 0% containment.
- A Red Flag Warning covered Rio Blanco County as lightning sparked the Elk Fire and Lee Fire, fueled by hot, windy weather and dry vegetation.
- Fire managers report over 290 personnel, including six hand crews, 30 fire engines, a dozer, and more than 200 personnel with seven aircraft, supported by Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three.
- At around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, zones 50, 51 and 54 received Go evacuation orders, and the Walbridge Wing of the Pioneers Medical Center began evacuations around 4 p.m., while Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds provides livestock shelter.
- With near-record fire conditions, Colorado Parks and Wildlife closed 4 wildlife areas, and other national forests issued public closures in northwest Colorado.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Rio Blanco fires reach 30,000-plus total acres; 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…
Polis mobilizes Colorado National Guard to help with Elk Fire, Lee Fire in Rio Blanco County
DENVER Governor Jared Polis on Wednesday mobilized the Colorado National Guard to support response efforts for the Elk Fire and Lee Fire in Rio Blanco County.The fires are burning within 15 miles of each other, near the town of Meeker.As of Wednesday evening, the Lee Fire is 45,000 acres, while the Elk Fire is 14,250 acres. Both are 0% contained. Late Wednesday evening, Polis authorized the mobilization of the Colorado National Guard to aid in r…
Extreme fire behavior continues as blazes near Colorado town reach 30,000-plus acres
While multiple wildfires are burning around Colorado, two in state's northwest region are particularly notable. Burning on each side of the town of Meeker, Elk Fire and Lee Fire continue to burn with a high level of activity, resulting in…
Four state wildlife areas closed as Lee and Elk fires continue to burn, threatening homes in Rio Blanco County
MEEKER, Colo. (KRDO) – The public no longer has access to four state wildlife areas in Colorado as the Elk and Lee fires burn in Rio Blanco County, threatening to destroy structures in the area as they continue to grow amid hot, dry conditions. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area, Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area, Colorow Mountain State Wildlife Area, and Piceance State Wildlife Area (Little Hills Unit …
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