The Lee Fire, started by lightning on August 2, is finally nearing containment after an estimated 137,758 acres, as told by KOAA News. As of August 26, the fire has reached around 95% containment according to 9NEWS. This fire hovers between the fourth and fifth largest in Colorado history.
The lack of rain and high winds led the fire to spread aggressively, but the recent rain has aided in the containment. Evacuations have included residents and incarcerated individuals at Rifle Correctional Center, 179 people were relocated without reported injuries according to Colorado Newsline. The fire affected many areas, Colorado 13 Corridor, Fourteenmile Creek, and Rio Blanco County are a few of main areas affected, smoke has greatly impacted the air quality in these areas, warranting multiple red flag warnings, and even more evacuations, as told by IQAIR.
The Lee Fire is a reminder of how quickly Colorado’s landscape and communities can be affected by climate extremes. While the rains brought much-needed relief, the scale of destruction and evacuations highlight how vulnerable residents are when disaster strikes.
This is not the only wildfire in Colorado right now. Even as the Lee Fire is being wrapped up, others still continue to burn. Started on the same day, the Elk Fire, south-east of Meeker, which happened to be caused by lightning on August 2 as well, actually has been fully contained after burning an estimated 14,518 acres according to Colorado Newsline.
The Stoner Mesa Fire, north-east of Cortez, on the other hand, is still active, only being about 45% contained after 10,249 acres according to the Map of Fire.
The Derby Fire is also still at large, only at about 6% containment as of Monday as told by Vail Daily.
Even though there are many more fires, we can only hope that the more recent rainy weather will only help conditions level out and help keep further wildfires at bay. As always, make sure to stay up-to-date with news, especially if you are in an area actively affected by fire.
