The Lee Fireplace burning in Western Colorado has begun racing south after winds shifted away from the city of Meeker on Friday, prompting officers to declare new evacuation zones.
CBS 
As of Saturday morning, the Lee Fireplace to the southwest of Meeker had burned 88,877 acres by Saturday morning. Nevertheless, that quantity grew to 92,047 by the afternoon. It stays 0% contained.
To the southeast of city, the Elk Fireplace is 8% contained and has burned 14,635 acres to date. Officers mentioned over 1,200 personnel are engaged on the Lee and Elk Fires mixed. The Lee Fireplace is now the sixth-largest wildfire in Colorado since 2001.
Meeker’s evacuation standing was downgraded to “prepared” Friday evening because the winds shifted away from the city. Nevertheless, as a result of winds altering path, new evacuation zones have been declared south and west of the Lee Fireplace. The hearth is heading southwest from Hwy 13. Rio Blanco CR 5, Piceance Creek Highway, is now closed.
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Workplace 
Evacuation Zones 63 and 70 to the south of the fireplace are actually in “Go” standing; residents within the space want to go away instantly. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned the very best route out is to move south on County Highway 253 (Piceance Creek Highway) to Freeway 13 and proceed all the way down to Rifle. Native visitors might be allowed via this closed route.
South of the fireplace, alongside the northern fringe of Garfield County, zones 80 and 81 are in “Set” standing. A brief-notice evacuation for these residents is probably going, and officers inspired them to be prepared to go away. They recommend those that want extra time to go away now. Zone 66 is now in “Prepared” standing, which means there could possibly be a attainable evacuation within the space. Residents ought to pack their valuables, put together, and monitor fireplace circumstances as they modify.
Though the City of Rifle will not be below evacuation orders now, authorities are evacuating the Rifle Correctional Middle. In response to some residents, ash and smoke might be seen so far as Rifle and Parachute.
You will discover an up to date listing of evacuation zones and orders here.
Esri, NASA, USGS, USDA, GTAC, IRWIN, Nationwide Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs 
Red Cross shelters stay open on the Moffat County Excessive Faculty in Craig and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Rangley. An evacuation heart can be obtainable on the Fairfield Middle in Meeker, and the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds is offering an emergency shelter for evacuated livestock.
Firefighters are hoping they will preserve the fireplace from transferring east of Hwy 13, which might assist function a hearth break, however they are saying there’s nonetheless an extended battle forward.
“There’s nonetheless quite a lot of work left to be carried out and quite a lot of danger nonetheless on the market for this factor to maintain going,” mentioned Operations Planning Chief Tyler Nathe. “[We’re] staying targeted, and staying energized on what we’re right here to do, and that is to guard individuals and their property and do it safely.”
Garfield County Sheriff’s Workplace 
Officers mentioned the Lee Fireplace has grown so giant, and is burning so sizzling, that it is creating its personal climate. They mentioned pyrocumulus clouds created by the extraordinary convection, mixed with moisture within the air, have reached 30,000 ft excessive. Nathe mentioned the fireplace is creating its personal winds and feeding itself.
