One of the largest wildfires ever recorded in Colorado was expected to worsen early Sunday as gusty winds and low humidity fueled the flames and officials stood ready to order additional evacuation…
A curious buck looks up towards Kathleen Kelley’s scorched property at her ranch in Rio Blanco County just outside of Meeker, Colorado, on Friday, Aug. 08, 2025. Kathleen’s home was spared from the Lee fire, but did get some damage and scorched land around the home.
One of the largest wildfires ever recorded in Colorado was expected to worsen early Sunday as gusty winds and low humidity fueled the flames and officials stood ready to order additional evacuations in Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.No injuries or structure damage have been reported by fire officials or the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.Mandatory evacuations were active along the Colorado 13 corridor from the White River near Meeker to south of Piceance Creek Road in Garfield County, parts of Rio Blanco County east of Willow Creek and south of Piceance Creek, and gulches west of Colorado 13.The Colorado Department of Corrections decided to evacuate nearly 180 incarcerated people from the Rifle Correctional Center “in an abundance of caution” Saturday night. The agencyMore than 1,000 people are working to respond to the fires Sunday, with the primary objective of keeping the fire west of Colorado 13 and north of County Road 5.With winds coming from the north and northwest, the area around Rifle and Interstate 70 is expected to see smoke from the fire, which was caused by lightning. Nearby Elk Fire, which was considerably smaller than the Lee Fire as of Sunday morning, was at 9% containment. It stretched across 14,635 acres, or 23 square acres, east of the Lee fire and Colorado 13. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued air quality warnings related to the fires in 10 counties, including Gilpin, Clear Creek, Lake, Rio Blanco, Eagle, Summit, Garfield, Pitkin, Gunnison and Grand counties. The agency advised people in those areas to limit outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present, especially anyone with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, children and older adults.Colorado wildfires: Mandatory evacuations ordered in Garfield County as Lee fire races southReal estate investor used 'creative' financing in purchase of Denver officesColorado weather: Critical fire conditions, heavy smoke and thunderstorms forecastWhy Broncos might have third-round steal in 'Frickin' Pat Bryant: 'He ain't scared'Broncos Journal: Mike Shanahan says Broncos have 'everything you look for in a championship team'
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