Colorado prison evacuated as growing wildfire becomes one of the largest in state history
Share this @internewscast.com

MEEKER, Colo. (AP) — A prison in Colorado was evacuated as one of the state’s largest wildfires continued to expand, with officials advising residents of isolated areas to be prepared for evacuation Sunday, driven by strong winds and low humidity.

Evacuation orders were already active for mountain towns as the Lee Fire scorched over 167 square miles (433 square kilometers) in Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, with only 6% containment. No injuries or damage to structures have been reported.

The Colorado Department of Corrections announced that all 179 inmates were safely removed from the Rifle Correctional Center on Saturday “out of an abundance of caution.” They were temporarily moved about 150 miles (240 kilometers) to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, as noted by the department.

The Lee Fire, burning through trees and brush approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Denver, is now the sixth-largest individual fire in the state’s history, based on information from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

Over a thousand firefighters are engaged in combatting the blaze, striving to maintain the flames west of Colorado 13 and north of County Road 5, according to officials.

Health authorities have issued air quality warnings due to smoke from the Lee Fire and the nearby Elk Fire, which has burned around 23 square miles (60 square kilometers).

In Southern California, crews reached 62% containment on the 8-square-mile (20-square-kilometer) Canyon Fire that forced evacuations and destroyed seven structures after breaking out Thursday near the Los Angeles County and Ventura County line. Three firefighters have been injured, including a battalion chief who was seriously hurt when his pickup truck rolled over in steep terrain.

The Gifford Fire, California’s largest blaze so far this year, has scorched at least 180 square miles (466 square kilometers) of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties since erupting on Aug. 1. It was 21% contained on Sunday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hungary detains 7 Ukrainians and seizes $80 million cash shipment on suspicion of money laundering

Hungary Arrests Seven Ukrainians, Confiscates $80 Million in Alleged Money Laundering Operation

In Budapest, Hungarian authorities have apprehended seven Ukrainian nationals and confiscated two…
Who is the real Schlossberg —serious politician, fantasist, internet troll, or all three?

Unveiling Schlossberg: Politician, Dreamer, or Online Provocateur?

Jack Schlossberg, the sole grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is following…
Four illegal immigrants linked to MS-13 indicted for allegedly murdering 14-year-old boy in Maryland park

Four Suspected MS-13 Members Indicted in Connection with Murder of 14-Year-Old in Maryland Park

Four alleged members of the infamous MS-13 gang have been charged with…
Israel strikes Khamenei

Israel Targets Hidden Military Bunker of Late Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Strategic Strike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed on Friday that they have successfully…
Hegseth declares ‘no one’s putting us in danger’ after reports that Russia giving Iran intelligence on US forces

Hegseth Asserts Safety Amidst Reports of Russia Sharing Intel with Iran on US Forces

Amid growing concerns over potential intelligence collaboration between Russia and Iran, War…
California Rep. Darrell Issa to retire, endorses Jim Desmond to succeed him

California’s Darrell Issa Announces Retirement, Backs Jim Desmond as His Successor

Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, has announced he will retire…
NYC tries to limit right to record cops

NYC’s Controversial Move: New Restrictions on Recording Police Spark Debate

Throughout the United States, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), often…
JD Vance says he was ‘too harsh’ on US Catholic bishops

JD Vance Reflects on Initial Critique, Admits to Being ‘Too Harsh’ on US Catholic Bishops

Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that his previous remarks about US…
TSA has seized drugs, guns — despite Dem-fueled funding freeze that's kept workers on furlough

Despite Funding Freeze, TSA Triumphs in Seizing Drugs and Guns Amidst Political Standoff

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues its vigilant efforts to safeguard air…
Casting nominee reacts to Oscars' first new category in 25 years

Oscars Unveil Groundbreaking New Category: Casting Nominee Shares Exclusive Reaction

As the Oscars ceremony unfolds this March 15, audiences will be greeted…
Plane involved in deadly crash in Maine spent too much time on the runway after deicing, preliminary NTSB report says

NTSB Preliminary Report Indicates Prolonged Runway Time Post-Deicing in Fatal Maine Plane Crash

PORTLAND, Maine — A private jet crash that claimed the lives of…
Iran’s ideological state: faith, fear and favors fuel its vast propaganda and patronage network

Iran’s Ideological Machine: How Faith, Fear, and Favors Drive a Powerful Propaganda and Patronage Network

As a young student in Iran, Benny Sabti recalls receiving an unexpected…