Lee fire grows in Colorado as Canyon fire containment improves in California

Lee fire exceeds 167 square miles with 6 percent containment as California crews reach 62 percent containment on Canyon fire

Colorado prison evacuated as wildfire becomes one of largest in state history

A wildfire known as the Lee fire burned more than 167 square miles in western Colorado, with containment at 6 percent and growing winds forecast. Evacuation orders were in place for mountain communities and residents in remote areas were told to be ready to leave as gusty winds and low humidity fed the flames. More than a thousand firefighters worked to keep the blaze west of Colorado 13 and north of County Road 5, with no injuries or structural damage reported. The Rifle Correctional Center evacuated all 179 inmates on Saturday and moved them about 150 miles away to the Buena Vista correctional complex as a precaution.

In California, crews reached 62 percent containment on the Canyon fire near the Los Angeles and Ventura county line. The blaze forced evacuations and destroyed seven structures. The larger Gifford fire, burning in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, had burned at least 180 square miles and was 32 percent contained. Health officials issued air quality warnings related to smoke from the Lee fire and nearby fires.

The events illustrate how wildfire season stretches state resources across large geographies. A single large fire in Colorado and multiple fires in California show how drought conditions and wind can strain firefighting forces, testing the balance between protecting communities and maintaining essential services like prisons. The public safety challenge extends beyond extinguishing flames to managing evacuations, housing displaced people, and safeguarding vulnerable institutions.

Taken together, the fires highlight the need for coordinated funding and planning that can adapt to rapid weather shifts and cross jurisdiction demands. Resilience depends on clear communication, timely evacuations, and sustained support for both residents and responders as conditions evolve.

Highlights

As conditions change, communities look to steady guidance and strong coordination