Archive · 12 Aug 2025
Colorado Wildfire Forces Evacuations, Burns Thousands of Acres
A very large fire called the Lee Fire is burning in Colorado, started by lightning.
It has already burned a huge area, and firefighters are working hard to put it out, but it's only a little bit contained.
People in some mountain towns have been told to leave their homes to be safe.
Even a prison moved its inmates away from the fire as a precaution.
The government has declared an emergency to help provide more resources.
Other fires are also burning in the area.
The Lee Fire in Colorado, ignited by lightning, has burned over 130,000 acres.
Evacuation orders are in effect for mountain communities in Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
The Rifle Correctional Center, holding 179 inmates, was evacuated as a precaution.
Over 1,000 firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which is 7% contained.
Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency to support firefighting efforts.
- Who
- Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, affecting mountain communities.
- What
- A large wildfire, the Lee Fire, is burning in western Colorado.
- When
- The fire was sparked on August 2nd.
- Where
- Western Colorado, in Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
- Why
- The fire was caused by lightning.
- Fire Name
- Lee Fire
- Location
- Western Colorado
- Cause
- Lightning
- Acres Burned
- Over 130,000
- Containment
- 7%
- Evacuations
- Garfield and Rio Blanco counties
- Prison Evacuation
- Rifle Correctional Center
