The continued growth of the lightning-caused Lee Fire in western Colorado has prompted many evacuations at this point, including the evacuation of prison inmates. The Colorado Department of Corrections announced on Saturday that it was decided to transfer the inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center to other secure facilities outside the fire-affected area. The announcement stated that this was done out of an abundance of caution. At least 9 Evacuation Zones in immediate danger in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties remain in the RED-GO evacuation status due to the Elk and Lee Fires. Unfortunately, some confusion was caused when a regional emergency alert was issued over the weekend stating that “All parties that were evacuated for wildfire can return home.” The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office announced that the message applied to another county and did not apply to the Elk or Lee Fires. As of early Monday morning, the Lee Fire was listed at 113,378 acres with 7% containment and the Elk Fire was at 14,635 acres with 30% containment. The south end of the Lee Fire is creating the biggest challenge and growth as winds continue to drive the fire’s spread. The near-critical fire weather includes low relative humidity, periods of gusty winds from the north and northwest and a lack of cloud coverage.
