Colorado prison evacuated as growing wildfire becomes one of the largest in state history
Share and Follow


MEEKER, Colo. (AP) — A Colorado prison was evacuated as one of the largest wildfires in state history continued to grow, and officials warned residents of remote areas to be ready to leave Sunday as gusty winds and low humidity fed the flames.

Evacuation orders were already in place for mountain communities as the Lee Fire charred more than 167 square miles (433 square kilometers) across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, with just 6% containment. No injuries or structural damage has been reported.

All 179 incarcerated people were safely removed from the Rifle Correctional Center on Saturday “out of an abundance of caution,” the Colorado Department of Corrections said in a statement. They were temporarily relocated about 150 miles (240 kilometers) away to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, the department said.

The Lee Fire, churning through trees and brush about 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Denver, is now the sixth-largest single fire in the state’s history, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

More than a thousand firefighters are battling the blaze, working to keep the flames to the west of Colorado 13 and north of County Road 5, officials said.

Health officials issued air quality warnings related to smoke from the Lee Fire and the 23-square-mile (60-square-kilometer) Elk Fire burning just to the east.

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
IDF says body turned over by Hamas doesn't match any hostages

IDF Reports Recovered Body Not Identified as Any Known Hostage

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported that among the four bodies…
Trump storms most violent US city with federal muscle as police group warns of soft-on-crime consequences

Trump Deploys Federal Forces: Addressing Crime Surge in America’s Most Violent City

The Trump administration’s decision to send federal law enforcement to a predominantly…
Owner faces $25K repair bill after teens allegedly drove stolen car into store

Store Owner Confronts $25,000 Repair Costs After Stolen Car Allegedly Crashes Into Premises

A fiery crash involving a stolen car has left a Northside furniture…
Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones’ defamation appeal

Supreme Court Denies Alex Jones’ Defamation Appeal: Legal Setback for Infowars Host

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best browsing experience,…
Democrats ramp up pressure on Mike Johnson to seat Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva

Democrats Intensify Efforts to Urge Speaker Mike Johnson to Officially Seat Rep.-Elect Adelita Grijalva

WASHINGTON — In a heightened effort, Democrats are intensifying their demands on…
Video: Feds appear to deploy chemical agent in standoff with Chicago residents

13 Chicago Officers Accidentally Exposed to Tear Gas During Crash Response

The Chicago Police Department reported that 13 of its officers were inadvertently…
JSO: Shooting on Caljon Road leaves teen dead

Tragic Shooting on Caljon Road Claims Teen’s Life: Jacksonville Community in Mourning

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has detained two individuals following a fatal shooting…
Jay Jones-tied Virginia Tech professor spewed anti-Charlie Kirk messaging, discouraged political debate

Virginia Tech Professor Linked to Jay Jones Criticized for Stifling Political Discussion on Charlie Kirk

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: A college professor who has publicly supported Virginia Attorney…