Wildfire in Colorado: Investigation of Affected Cities and Warnings Issued as Fire Expands Beyond 106,000 Acres
Lee Fire Update: Over 1,000 Firefighters Battle Colorado's Fifth Largest Wildfire
The Lee Fire in Colorado, now the state's fifth largest wildfire on record, is currently being fought by over 1,000 firefighters. As of August 15-16, the fire has grown to over 133,900 acres and is reported to be 31% contained.
Evacuation Orders and Preparations
More than 800 people have been issued evacuation orders, primarily in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties. However, as of August 14-16, there were no widespread mandatory evacuations. Some evacuation zones have been downgraded from mandatory "GO" status to pre-evacuation "SET" or "READY" levels on the east side of Colorado Highway 13.
Residents in Meeker are advised to stay away from dry grass and prepare emergency kits. Access to checkpoints in Meeker requires identification. The Garfield County and Rio Blanco County sheriff's departments are updating evacuation notices as the situation evolves.
Firefighting Efforts
The firefighting efforts involve approximately 1,230 to 1,274 firefighters, supported by a fleet of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, drones, 27 hand crews, 82 engines, and 46 pieces of heavy equipment. The tactics include patrolling and reinforcing containment lines, mopping up hotspots, and controlled burning inside the fire perimeter to remove fuel. Firefighters focus on protecting values at risk near Meeker, the Highway 13 corridor, Hogback Ridge, and County Roads 3 and 5.
Fire Status
The weather conditions with recent precipitation have slowed fire spread, aiding containment efforts. However, low fuel moisture still poses a risk for torching and spotting. Near-critical fire weather is expected to return, which could result in extreme fire behavior in some areas of the Lee Fire.
Despite the challenges, firefighters have made some progress in limiting the fire, increasing its containment from 0% to 31%. The region where the fire has reached is inside the "contained fire edge."
Impacted Areas
The Lee Fire has impacted several areas, including the Colorado 13 Corridor, Fourteenmile Creek, and Rio Blanco County. The northeastern-most section of the Lee Fire has reached on the east side of Highway 13.
No Reported Structural Losses
As of the latest updates, no buildings have been reported lost in the Lee fire.
The Lee Fire, the biggest of three wildfires in northwest Colorado, has grown to over 106,000 acres, making it the sixth-largest single fire in the history of the state. Firefighters continue their efforts to contain the blaze and protect affected communities.
- Outside the realm of wildfires, there has been ongoing debate in politics regarding climate change, with some arguing that it leads to an increase in wildfires.
- On a different note, the cricket match between England and Pakistan is set to start tomorrow, representing a moment of sports relief amid the ongoing environmental-science concerns.
- In the realm of general-news, a bill proposing stricter penalties for environmental offenses has been proposed in the Senate, bringing relevant discussions to crime-and-justice.
- Meanwhile, the weather is forecasted to clear up this weekend, providing some respite from the ongoing dry spells, as per the latest weather updates.
