Prison evacuated due to expanding wildfire, now among the biggest fires recorded in Colorado's history.
Wildfires Rage Across Western United States
Two significant wildfires, the Lee Fire in Colorado and the Gifford Fire in California, continue to pose challenges for firefighters and local communities.
The Lee Fire in Colorado
The Lee Fire, currently one of the largest wildfires in Colorado history, is charring more than 137,465 acres across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties. The fire started on August 2, caused by lightning, and is located between Meeker and Rifle in Rio Blanco County. Despite the large scale of the fire, containment has increased steadily due to favorable weather, including scattered rainfall and cooler temperatures. As of mid-August 2025, the fire is about 42% contained, nearing the size of the Hayman Fire (137,760 acres) from 2002.
Containment lines have been reinforced, particularly along key corridors such as Colorado Highway 13 and State Highway 5. Colorado Highway 13 has reopened with restrictions: the speed limit is reduced to 50 mph, stopping is only allowed in emergencies, and pullouts/rest areas remain reserved for fire personnel. The Elk Fire nearby, which was causing additional concerns, is now fully contained, allowing more focus on the Lee Fire.
The combined Lee and Elk fires have destroyed 5 houses and 14 other structures according to the Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office. No recent update on new evacuation orders was specified in the latest available information, suggesting some easing as containment grows. Over 1,150 personnel are assigned to battle the Lee Fire, supported by multiple aircraft, hand crews, engines, and heavy equipment.
The Gifford Fire in California
Meanwhile, the Gifford Fire in California is burning in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The fire has scorched at least 180 square miles (466 square kilometers) and is 21% contained. The firefighters are working to keep the flames to the west of California Highway 131 and north of County Road 5. The Gifford Fire is the largest blaze in California so far this year.
All 179 incarcerated individuals were safely removed from the Rifle Correctional Center and temporarily relocated about 150 miles away to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex due to the Gifford Fire. No injuries or structural damage have been reported due to the Lee Fire in Colorado.
In Southern California, the Canyon Fire has reached 62% containment, and the battalion chief of the Canyon Fire was seriously injured when his pickup truck rolled over in steep terrain. The exact cause of the Canyon Fire was not specified in the report.
Health officials have issued air quality warnings due to smoke from the Lee Fire and the Elk Fire. Despite these challenges, firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the wildfires and protect local communities.
- The wildfires spreading across Seattle's environment are of general concern, as officials are monitoring the potential impact of wildfire smoke on air quality.
- meanwhile, in the realm of environmental science, the ongoing wildfires in the western United States have significant implications for local ecosystems and wildlife.
- In the midst of these wildfire emergencies, crime and justice systems must adapt, such as the temporary relocation of inmates due to the Gifford Fire in California.
