Colorado Wildfires Rage: Lee Fire Surges Past 92,000 Acres, New Evacuations Issued
Colorado Wildfires Rage: Lee Fire Surges Past 92,000 Acres, New Evacuations Issued
The massive Lee Fire in Western Colorado continues its destructive path, surging past 92,000 acres as of Saturday afternoon, August 9th, prompting urgent new evacuation orders. Fueled by shifting winds, the blaze is now racing south, forcing residents in zones south and west of the fire into immediate “Go” status.
Officials reported the Lee Fire’s acreage ballooned from 88,877 in the morning to 92,047 by Saturday afternoon, remaining 0% contained. This makes it the sixth-largest wildfire in Colorado since 2001. While the town of Meeker saw its evacuation status downgraded to “ready” on Friday night as winds shifted away, the change in direction has created new threats further south.
Evacuation Zones 63 and 70, south of the Lee Fire, are now under mandatory “Go” orders, with residents advised to evacuate immediately via County Road 253 to Highway 13 towards Rifle. Zones 80 and 81 in northern Garfield County are on “Set” status, indicating a likely short-notice evacuation.
Over 1,200 personnel are battling the Lee and Elk Fires, with the Elk Fire southeast of Meeker at 8% containment, having burned over 14,600 acres. Firefighters are working to prevent the Lee Fire from crossing Highway 13, which could serve as a crucial fire break, but acknowledge a long and challenging fight ahead. The fire’s intense heat is even generating its own weather, forming pyrocumulus clouds reaching 30,000 feet, creating its own winds, and fueling its rapid expansion. Red Cross shelters remain open in Craig, Rangley, and Meeker for displaced residents, with livestock shelters available at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds.
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