Lee Fire update

The Lee Fire in western Colorado has grown rapidly and prompted new evacuations as winds shifted.

Lee Fire expands to about 92,000 acres with new evacuations

The Lee Fire southwest of Meeker, Colorado grew rapidly overnight and stood at about 92,000 acres by Saturday afternoon with no containment. The Elk Fire nearby was 8 percent contained at roughly 14,600 acres. More than 1,200 personnel are working on both blazes as the Lee Fire becomes one of the state’s largest since 2001.

Wind shifts pushed new evacuations south and west. Zones 63 and 70 are in Go status, while zones 80 and 81 are Set and zone 66 is Ready. Rio Blanco County Road 5 and Piceance Creek Road are closed as crews try to keep the fire east of Highway 13 toward Rifle. Red Cross shelters are open in Craig and Rangely, with a Meeker evacuation center and livestock shelters at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds.

The rapid growth shows how wildfire seasons are driven by shifting winds and extreme fuel conditions. When a fire begins to generate its own weather, predictions become harder and planning more urgent. Local authorities face a delicate balance between moving people to safety and keeping roads open for responders.

Longer term, the incident highlights the need for sustained funding, improved evacuation routes, and mental health support for evacuees. Climate trends lower the margin for error, making preparedness not a chore but a necessity for communities in western Colorado and similar regions.

Highlights

The situation remains fluid and officials will issue updates as conditions change.