DENVER (KDVR) More than 150 people in custody at a correctional facility in Colorado were evacuated Saturday as wildfires continued to spread.
The Colorado Department of Corrections said on Saturday in a news release that Rifle Correctional Center was transferring individuals to “other secure facilities outside of the fire-affected area.”
This comes after evacuation notices were implemented Saturday in Garfield County, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said.
Two wildfires, the Lee and Elk fires, have burned more than 100,000 acres in Rio Blanco County as of Saturday.
The Lee Fire, as of Saturday evening, had burned 88,755 acres, and the Elk Fire had burned 14,502 acres. Around 5:10 p.m. local time Saturday, the Elk Fire was 8% contained.
The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook that as of 10:30 a.m., the Lee Fire was 0% contained.
“Rifle Correctional Center staff have implemented the facility’s emergency evacuation plan, ensuring the safe transfer of residents with enhanced security and strong coordination among partner agencies,” said CDOC.
The coordination is said by CDOC to be with state and local emergency management officials. CDOC also said that there are no reports of injuries to staff or individuals within the correctional center and that it is monitoring conditions of the Lee fire.
The agency also noted that they will take any required steps to “protect staff, incarcerated individuals and the surrounding community.”
There is no word on where those evacuated from Rifle Correctional Center will be relocated, but CDOC said it will provide updates “when it is appropriate to do so.”
