Colorado wildfires: Lee Fire grows to more than 100K acres amid 'near-critical' weather
Share this @internewscast.com


Update: The Lee Fire has now grown to be the 5th largest wildfire in state history. Follow the latest updates here.

DENVER (KDVR) One of the fires burning now more than 100,000 acres in Rio Blanco County in northwest Colorado continues to grow during ongoing “near-critical fire weather” conditions, though fire crews are slowly starting to contain the blaze.

The Lee Fire, one of two fires in Rio Blanco County in addition to the much smaller Elk Fire, has burned 106,672 acres near the town of Meeker. The Elk Fire has held relatively steady at 14,635 acres, fire officials reported Sunday morning.

Both fires do have some containment, according to officials, with the Elk Fire 9% contained and the Lee Fire 6% contained. More than 1,000 personnel are working on fire response.

The Lee Fire is the 6th largest fire in Colorado history, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

“Although crews were able to make excellent progress with firefighting efforts, and there was less smoke in the air as days before, firefighters still saw extreme fire behavior today,” officials said in a Saturday night post.

The extreme fire behavior was likely to continue Sunday amid low humidity, gusty winds and a lack of cloud coverage.

“The very dry fuels with the expected weather could result in extreme fire behavior in some areas of the fire,” officials said Sunday morning.

Several areas of Rio Blanco County and Garfield County are under evacuation or pre-evacuation notices.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Disfigured and with a damaged jaw, ’32 Chunk’ claims victory in ‘Fat Bear Week’ 2025

From a dozen to just one: Scarred “32 Chunk” was crowned the…

What to Expect Following a Government Shutdown

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please view our…

SSU Volleyball Aims to Set New Attendance Record This Thursday

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah State Lady Tigers Volleyball squad is inviting…

Tennessee Farmers Face ‘Unprecedented Crisis’ as Lawmaker Appeals to Trump for Assistance

Tennessee farmers are sounding the alarm as they face imminent financial ruin,…

Jannik Sinner Clinches China Open Title with Straight Sets Victory Against American Tien Ahead of Shanghai Masters

BEIJING – Jannik Sinner claimed victory at the China Open by defeating…

Exploring Georgia’s Medicaid Employment Mandates

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Taliban refutes claims of internet shutdown preventing Afghans from contacting family members

The Taliban has refuted claims of an enforced internet shutdown across Afghanistan,…

Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by Two Cars on U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was killed Tuesday night after…

Parents in Gaza Mourn Loss of Daughter Conceived Through IVF in Airstrike

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Another ICE Detainee Dies Following Shooting at Dallas Facility

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please use…

Potential Government Shutdown Poses Major Disruption to Virginia Governor’s Race

This isn’t the first instance where voters in Virginia find themselves facing…

Discover if You’re Getting Paid Three Times This October: Here’s How to Check

(NEXSTAR) — Halloween enthusiasts and fans of trick-or-treating have a special treat…