Colorado correctional center evacuated due to wildfire threat
Share and Follow


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.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump bristles as Laura Ingraham asks if gold is from Home Depot

Laura Ingraham’s Home Depot Question Leaves Trump Unamused

Donald Trump recently unveiled the lavish ’24-karat gold’ accents in his newly…
Democrats' aide had lavish life paid for by China, prosecutors say

Prosecutors Claim Democratic Aide Lived Luxuriously on Funds from China

Federal prosecutors have accused a former senior aide to New York Governor…
Dick Cheney to be laid to rest this month: What we know about the vice president's funeral

Honoring a Legacy: Details of Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s Funeral Arrangements Revealed

Earlier this month, the political world was met with the news of…
Surging Knicks dismantle Grizzlies to extend win streak to five games

Dominant Knicks Triumph Over Grizzlies, Celebrate Fifth Consecutive Victory

The Knicks have turned their game into a seamless display of skill.…
Travis Hunter undergoes knee surgery, sidelined for remainder of 2025 season

Travis Hunter’s 2025 Season Cut Short: Knee Surgery Sidelines Star Athlete

Travis Hunter is on track to resume “full football activities” in about…
Cleto Escobedo, Jimmy Kimmel's longtime friend and late-night show band leader, has died

Beloved Late-Night Band Leader and Longtime Friend of Jimmy Kimmel, Cleto Escobedo, Passes Away

Cleto Escobedo III, renowned as the band leader for Cleto and the…
Turning Point USA: Fights break out, multiple people arrested as event sparks protest at UC Berkeley, California

Protests Erupt at UC Berkeley Event Hosted by Turning Point USA, Leading to Arrests

BERKELEY, Calif. — Turning Point USA concluded its nationwide campus tour on…

Unbelievable Rescue: Bucks’ Late-Night Adventure Ends in Basement Gym Showdown!

In a curious incident in Roxborough Park, Colorado, two bucks took their…