Colorado Wildfire Prompts Prison Evacuation Amid Historic Blaze
One of Colorado's largest wildfires, the Lee Fire, has forced the evacuation of the Rifle Correctional Center, safely relocating 179 incarcerated individuals as the blaze spreads across 167 square miles.
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Overview
- A massive wildfire, identified as the Lee Fire, has become one of Colorado's largest in history, burning over 167 square miles across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties with only 6% containment.
- The escalating blaze prompted the evacuation of the Rifle Correctional Center, ensuring the safe relocation of all 179 incarcerated individuals to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, 150 miles away.
- Gusty winds and low humidity are fueling the rapid spread of the wildfire, leading to evacuation orders for nearby mountain communities and warnings for residents in remote areas.
- Over a thousand firefighters are actively battling the extensive wildfire, working to contain the blaze that has caused no reported injuries or structural damage at the evacuated prison.
- The incident highlights the severe impact of large-scale wildfires on public safety and infrastructure, necessitating swift and coordinated emergency responses to protect lives and property.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this wildfire story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting and official information. They avoid loaded language and present details straightforwardly, such as the fire's size, containment, and impact on the prison. The reporting prioritizes clarity and verifiable data, ensuring a balanced and objective account of the event.
"The ongoing spread of the Lee Fire in western Colorado forced the relocation of 179 incarcerated individuals at the Rifle Correctional Center to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex on Aug. 9, a Colorado Department of Corrections news release said."
USA TODAY"Evacuation orders were already in place for mountain communities as the Lee Fire charred more than 167 square miles (433 square kilometers) across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, with just 6% containment."
ABC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
The Lee Fire was started by lightning on August 2, 2025, southwest of Meeker, Colorado.
The Lee Fire has burned over 106,000 acres and is currently about 6% contained.
A total of 179 incarcerated individuals were evacuated from the Rifle Correctional Center and safely relocated to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, approximately 150 miles away.
The fire behavior is fueled by near-critical fire weather including low relative humidity, gusty winds from the north/northwest, dry fuels, and lack of cloud coverage, which could cause extreme fire behavior in some areas.
More than 1,000 firefighters, supported by 14 aircraft, 23 hand crews, 51 engines, and six pieces of heavy equipment, are actively fighting the Lee and Elk fires.
History
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