The Lee Fire in Western Colorado has taken a dangerous turn, heading south after wind shifts on Friday. Officials have now designated new evacuation zones.
As of Saturday morning, the fire near Meeker had burned nearly 89,000 acres, but by the afternoon, the total had risen to over 92,000 acres, with no containment in sight. This makes the Lee Fire the sixth largest wildfire in Colorado since 2001. Nearby, the Elk Fire is also burning, with about 14,600 acres affected and currently 8% contained. Over 1,200 firefighters are actively working on both fires.
Evacuation statuses have changed recently. While the immediate threat to Meeker has lessened, new evacuation orders are now in place south and west of the Lee Fire. Areas designated as “Go” require residents to evacuate immediately. These include Evacuation Zones 63 and 70. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office advises using County Road 253 (Piceance Creek Road) to escape to Highway 13. Local traffic will still be allowed in these areas.
Other nearby zones are under different statuses. Zones 80 and 81 are on “Set” status, meaning evacuations could happen soon. Zone 66 is currently “Ready,” indicating that residents should prepare for possible evacuation. In Rifle, while evacuation orders aren’t in effect, officials have began evacuating the Rifle Correctional Center due to smoke and ash visible from as far away as Rifle and Parachute.
Emergency shelters are available at Moffat County High School in Craig and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rangley. Additionally, the Fairfield Center in Meeker serves as an evacuation center, while the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds is sheltering evacuated livestock.
Firefighters are focused on preventing the fire from crossing Highway 13, which could help control its spread. Tyler Nathe, Operations Planning Chief, stated, “There’s a lot of work left to do,” emphasizing the ongoing risks and efforts to protect lives and properties.
Intriguingly, the Lee Fire has grown so intense that it is creating its own weather conditions. Pyrocumulus clouds have formed due to the heat and moisture, reaching heights of 30,000 feet. This phenomenon can generate powerful winds, further fueling the fire’s growth.
Such wildfires are not uncommon in the region. According to a recent study from the National Interagency Fire Center, over 58,000 wildfires occurred in 2021 alone, burning 7.1 million acres across the United States. As climate change influences weather patterns, these fires are becoming more frequent and intense. Fire management experts stress the importance of preparedness and quick response to mitigate the impacts on local communities.
Stay informed about evacuation orders and fire conditions from trusted sources like [the National Interagency Fire Center](https://www.nifc.gov) for the latest updates.
