Lee Fire: August 16 daily update

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Size: Elk Fire: 14,518 acres | Lee Fire: 133,954 acres
Total Personnel: 1,230
Containment: Elk Fire: 93% | Lee Fire 31%
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 9 Aircraft | 27 Hand Crews | 82 Engines | 46 Heavy Equipment

Special Announcement: A community meeting for the Lee and Elk fires will be held tonight at 7:00 P.M. at the Meeker High School, 550 School St, in Meeker, Colorado.

Important Notes: The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office downgraded several evacuation zones from GO (red) to SET (yellow) and from SET to READY (green). The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office downgraded Zone 70 on the east side of Highway 13 in northern Garfield County from GO (red) to SET (yellow). Other zones have not changed. Check your evacuation zone on the interactive map: http://bit.ly/lee-fire-zones.
Yesterday: Lee Fire – Firefighters made progress, increasing containment to 31% along the Highway 13 corridor. Crews remained engaged on the southern portion of Highway 13. Work continued near Hogback Ridge, where firefighters patrolled and reinforced lines around structures and areas around County Road 5, and other values at risk. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) were used across the fire to detect isolated areas of heat. Vegetation burned slowly inside the fire perimeter near County Road 5 and County Road 3, removing unburned fuel pockets and supporting control efforts.

Elk Fire: Crews focused on unburned fuels inside the north and west edges of the fire perimeter to strengthen containment. Suppression repair continued to restore hand and dozer lines to a more natural condition.

Current Situation: Rain fell over both fires last night ranging from .05â€â€“ 0.1†of an inch and helped to moderate fire behavior. The increase in moisture and humidity will help firefighters as they continue to suppress the fire.

Lee Fire – Crews are holding and reinforcing control lines. On the north side, firefighters continue to monitor, patrol, and reinforce lines. Firefighters are working along Highway 13 using saws, chippers, and heavy equipment to remove hazards. The southern edge remains most active, with crews improving containment lines to limit the potential for fire to spread outside of the perimeter. Firefighters will continue to patrol and protect structures and other values at risk.

Elk Fire: Firefighters will continue to reinforce containment line, patrol and mop up hotspots, while coordinating suppression repair plans with landowners and managers. Crews are also focused on the remaining uncontained section of the fire, with resources in place to prepare for transition to local units. Work continues on preparing contingency lines. These secondary lines will provide firefighters the opportunity to hold the fire with the highest probability of success if extreme conditions occur and push the fire outside existing containment lines.

Weather & Fire Behavior: A morning temperature inversion may bring fog and high humidity, with a chance of isolated showers during the day. Temperatures will reach the low 80s with west/northwest winds. Fuel moisture remains low, and significant precipitation would be needed to return levels to normal. Conditions will dry into the evening and a drying trend is expected to continue through mid-week, with a potential return of monsoonal conditions later in the week.

Evacuations and Closures: CR 5 and Hwy 13 remain closed. For the most up-to-date road closure information, please visit www.COtrip.org or use the COtrip app. To sign up for Garfield County Emergency Alerts, go to: https://garco911.com/. For Garfield County updates go to: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/. Go to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/

Rio Blanco County Sheriffs Office – for accurate up-to-date information on all evacuations and road closures. Sign up for emergency alerts at: https://rioblancoalerts.genasys.com/portal/en. White River National Forest closure information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts. BLM White River Field Office closures information at: https://ow.ly/78uF50WGjNW.

Elk and Lee Fire Information: Phone: 970-341-8665; Email: 2025.elkrbx@firenet.gov Facebook: www.facebook.com/elkleefire Inciweb Lee Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-lee-fire Inciweb Elk Fire: https://inceb.wildfire.gov/incident-infrmation/cowrd-elk-rbx-fire

8-16-25 Lee Fire map

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Tamaño: Incendio Elk: 14.518 acres | Incendio Lee: 133.954 acres
Personal total: 1.230
Contención: Incendio Elk: 93% | Incendio Lee 31%
Causa: Relámpago


Recursos: 9 aviones | 27 cuadrillas | 82 camiones de bomberos | 46 maquinaria pesada Anuncio especial: Esta noche a las 7:00 p.m. se llevará a cabo una reunión comunitaria por los incendios de Lee y Elk en la Escuela Secundaria Meeker, 550 School St, en Meeker, Colorado.
Notas importantes: La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Río Blanco degradó varias zonas de evacuación de GO (rojo) a SET (amarillo) y de SET a READY (verde). La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield degradó la Zona 70 en el lado este de la autopista 13 en el norte del condado de Garfield de GO (rojo) a SET (amarillo). Otras zonas no han cambiado. Verifique su zona de evacuación en el mapa interactivo: http://bit.ly/lee-fire-zones.

Ayer: Incendio Lee – Los bomberos avanzaron, aumentando la contención al 31% a lo largo del corredor de la autopista 13. Las cuadrillas permanecieron comprometidas en la parte sur de la autopista 13. El trabajo continuó cerca de Hogback Ridge, donde los bomberos patrullaron y reforzaron las líneas alrededor de las estructuras y áreas alrededor de County Road 5, y otros valores en riesgo. Se utilizaron sistemas de aeronaves no tripuladas (UAS por sus siglas en ingles pero conocidos como drone) en todo el incendio para detectar áreas aisladas de calor. La vegetación se quemó lentamente dentro del perímetro del incendio cerca de County Road 5 y County Road 3, eliminando bolsas de combustible no quemado y apoyando los esfuerzos de control. Incendio Elk – Las cuadrillas se centraron en los combustibles no quemados dentro de los bordes norte y oeste del perímetro del incendio para fortalecer la contención. La reparación de supresión continuó restaurando las líneas de mano y topadora a una condición más natural.

Situación actual: La lluvia cayó sobre ambos incendios anoche entre .05 “y 0.1” de pulgada y ayudó a moderar el comportamiento del fuego. El aumento de la humedad ayudará a los bomberos a medida que continúan sofocando el fuego.

Incendio Lee – Las cuadrillas están manteniendo y reforzando las líneas de control. En el lado norte, los bomberos continúan monitoreando, patrullando y reforzando las líneas. Los bomberos están trabajando a lo largo de la autopista 13 utilizando sierras, astilladoras y equipo pesado para eliminar los peligros. El borde sur sigue siendo el más activo, con equipos que mejoran las líneas de contención para limitar la posibilidad de que el fuego se propague fuera del perímetro. Los bomberos continuarán patrullando y protegiendo estructuras y otros valores en riesgo.

Incendio Elk – Los bomberos continuarán reforzando la línea de contención, patrullando y limpiando los puntos críticos, mientras coordinan los planes de reparación de supresión con los propietarios y administradores. Las cuadrillas también se centran en la sección restante del incendio, con recursos para prepararse para la transición a las unidades locales. Se sigue trabajando en la preparación de líneas de contingencia. Estas líneas secundarias brindarán a los bomberos la oportunidad de contener el fuego con la mayor probabilidad de éxito si ocurren condiciones extremas y empujan el fuego fuera de las líneas de contención existentes.

Comportamiento del clima y el fuego: Una inversión de temperatura matutina puede traer niebla y alta humedad, con la posibilidad de lluvias aisladas durante el día. Las temperaturas alcanzarán los 80 grados bajos con vientos del oeste / noroeste. La humedad del combustible sigue siendo baja y se necesitarían precipitaciones significativas para que los niveles vuelvan a la normalidad. Las condiciones se secarán hasta la noche y se espera que continúe una tendencia de secado hasta mediados de semana, con un posible regreso de las condiciones monzónicas más adelante en la semana.

Evacuaciones y cierres: CR 5 y Hwy 13 permanecen cerradas. Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre el cierre de carreteras, visite http://www.COtrip.org o utilice la aplicación COtrip. Para inscribirse en las alertas de emergencia del condado de Garfield, visite: https://garco911.com/. Para obtener actualizaciones del condado de Garfield, visite: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/. Vaya a la página de Facebook de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Río Blanco – https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice – para obtener información precisa y actualizada sobre todas las evacuaciones y cierres de carreteras. Regístrese para recibir alertas de emergencia en: https://rioblancoalerts.genasys.com/portal/en. Información sobre el cierre del Bosque Nacional White River en: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts. Información sobre los cierres de la oficina de campo de BLM White River en: https://ow.ly/78uF50WGjNW.

Información sobre los incendios de Elk y Lee:
Teléfono: 970-341-8665; Correo electrónico: 2025.elkrbx@firenet.gov Facebook: www.facebook.com/elkleefire
Iniciweb Incendio Lee: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-lee-fire
Inciweb Incendio Elk: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-elk-rbx-fire

Lee Fire: August 16 daily update

Lee Fire: Morning operational briefing

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Operational Briefing video August 16, 2025 with Operations Section Chief, Jeramy Dietz

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
BLM Colorado Fire
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
Bureau of Land Management Fire
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Rifle Police Department

Lee Fire: Morning operational briefing

Lee Fire: Damp conditions with warmer, drier weather to follow

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Lee Fire - truck with personnel loading equipment

8.16.25, 7:29 a.m. – Good morning from the Elk and Lee Fires, where conditions are pleasantly damp this morning. The fires received between .05 and .1 inches of rain last night. Skies are expected to clear this morning and firefighters will take advantage of wetter conditions to mop up, patrol, and secure firelines. Warmer, drier weather conditions are expected over the next few days.

Lee Fire: Damp conditions with warmer, drier weather to follow

Lee Fire: Elk & Lee Fires Evening Update

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Elk Fire: 14,521 acres | 75% contained

Lee Fire: 123,222 acres | 4% contained

Critical fire weather is expected again tomorrow with hot, dry, windy conditions. Crews will continue constructing and securing fireline on both fires, along with patrolling and mopping up on the Elk Fire and working to limit the Lee Fire’s southern spread.

We understand how important Highway 13 is as a lifeline for travel, commerce, and daily life, and Hogback Ridge as a defining part of the local landscape. Our operations are focused on protecting both and restoring safe access as soon as it’s possible to do so.

*The reduction in reported acreage on the Elk Fire is due to better mapping.

View of clouds and smoke on Lee Fire

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
Bureau of Land Management Fire

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
Bureau of Land Management Fire
@Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Lee Fire: Elk & Lee Fires Evening Update

Lee Fire: morning update from the Elk & Lee fires

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Expect hotter, drier conditions today with strong winds shifting from north to west, making fire activity more likely and raising the risk of fire growth. Crews are working to strengthen fire lines, especially on the southern end of the Lee Fire. Air support will be assisting ground teams throughout the day as conditions allow.

Stay safe, keep an eye on conditions, and please check official sources for the latest updates!

8-13-25 morning briefing

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
BLM Colorado Fire
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
Bureau of Land Management Fire
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Lee Fire: morning update from the Elk & Lee fires

Lee Fire: Morning update August 12

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Today, crews will be working on both fires to secure unburned pockets of fuel, strengthen indirect and containment lines, and protect values at risk. Aviation resources, including helicopters and UAS, will be supporting suppression efforts throughout the day, especially as smoke clears.

Please continue to use caution near the fire area.

Fire along ridge during the night

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
BLM Colorado Fire

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
Rifle Police Department

Check your zone on this INTERACTIVE EVACUATION MAP (search your address).

The Elk and Lee Fire Information Facebook page

Garfield County: REGISTER FOR ALERTS – garco911.com, INCIDENT UPDATES/SUBSCRIBE – garfieldcounty.net, FACEBOOK – facebook.com/garcosheriff

Lee Fire: Morning update August 12

Lee Fire: BLM Colorado issues emergency closure of public lands near Lee Fire

Bureau of Land Management Colorado Fire

Temporary closure is for firefighter and public safety

BLM press release

BLM map icon

Effective immediately, in the interest of firefighter and public safety, certain public lands managed by BLM White River Field Office in Rio Blanco County are temporarily closed until the #LeeFire is declared controlled or this order is rescinded.

Entry is prohibited, and violators face federal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Please stay out of the closed area to avoid interfering with firefighting operations.

For more information about the closure, visit the BLM website https://ow.ly/rpZ450WCVBR

#FireSeason2025#WildfireSafety

Lee Fire: BLM Colorado issues emergency closure of public lands near Lee Fire

Lee Fire: Community meeting thank you

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Goodnight from the Elk & Lee Fires

Thank you to everyone who joined us for tonight’s community meeting in Rifle. Your questions, input, and support mean so much to our firefighters, partner agencies, and everyone working to support the response.

If you couldn’t attend, the meeting recording will be posted here soon so you can watch at your convenience.

Firefighter line along roadway below evening clouds

The Lee Fire is 116,859 acres and 6% contained.

Containment dropped slightly due to the increase in acreage. Firefighters are facing very active fire behavior, including fast-moving flames pushed by the wind. Today, crews focused on protecting homes and infrastructure and identifying potential containment lines.

The Elk Fire is 14,549 acres and 30% contained.

The smaller acreage reported this morning is the result of more accurate mapping. Thanks to favorable winds and strong firefighting efforts, growth has remained minimal. Crews are strengthening fire lines and securing unburned areas inside the perimeter.

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
BLM Colorado Fire
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
Bureau of Land Management Fire
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
Rifle Police Department

Lee Fire: Community meeting thank you

Re-2 School district delays start of school

Garfield RE-2 School District

8-12-25, 6:06 p.m. – We are excited to confirm that the Garfield Re-2 School District will open school tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13.

Thank you to our technology and facilities teams for working diligently on our school-level communication issues created by the Lee and Elk RBX fires.

The change in weather conditions has improved the air quality for our staff, and we will have adequate staff for operations and schools to function safely.

Some important notes:

  • Please be sure that you have updated your child’s information in PowerSchool. This is for two reasons: first so we have good contact information for you in the event of an emergency, and second, to ensure that your child’s health clerk knows if your child has a chronic condition or respiratory issue that may be impacted if the air quality deteriorates;
  • Understand that conditions may change day to day based on fire behavior, so please be patient with our Principals, coaches, and athletic directors.
  • If your child does have a chronic condition or respiratory issue, be sure that the health clerk has all appropriate medications for your child;
  • All of our schools have filtered HVAC systems. We will monitor outdoor air quality closely and adjust our outside air intake accordingly;
  • Each traditional classroom is equipped with a HEPA air purifier. The air purifiers have new filters. These filters do remove smoke, odors, and other particulates;
  • All schools will have both regular and N95 masks available for any student or staff member if they so choose;
  • If your child eats school lunch, the school lunch menu has been updated.
  • Principals and Athletic Directors will be closely monitoring the air quality. They will be using the air quality feature through Watch Duty and Garfield County Air Quality – Rifle.

Here are some resources to help keep you informed about the changing situation with the Lee and Elk fires:
Alerts from Garfield County
Garfield County Emergency Communications
Official Evacuation Maps
Elk & Lee Fire Inciweb Site

We understand this is an anxious time for many families. If your household is directly impacted by the Elk RBX or Lee fires, please take the time you need to care for your loved ones and your safety. We look forward to welcoming your children back as soon as conditions allow.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and flexibility during this challenging time. We are deeply grateful to all of the firefighters and emergency personnel working tirelessly to protect our communities.
Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming your child to school tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13.

Garfield Re-2 Administration

8-10-25, 7:17 p.m. – As a precautionary measure, the Garfield Re-2 School District will delay the start of the school year.

The Elk RBX and Lee fires have affected communications at several schools, and poor air quality has left us without enough staff to safely open.

There will be no school on Monday, August 11, or Tuesday, August 12. We are working to restore communications, ensure adequate staffing, and monitor conditions closely. We plan to open on Wednesday, August 13, if conditions allow. We will update you no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday to confirm.

All athletic practices are also canceled for Monday and Tuesday.

We understand this is an anxious time for many families. If your household is directly impacted by the Elk RBX or Lee fires, please take the time you need to care for your loved ones and your safety. We look forward to welcoming your children back as soon as conditions allow.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and flexibility during this challenging time. We are deeply grateful to the local, state, and federal emergency responders and firefighters working tirelessly to protect our communities.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Garfield Re-2 District Office at 970-665-7600.

Thank you,
Garfield Re-2 School District Administration
https://www.facebook.com/Garfieldre2/

Re-2 School district delays start of school

GCPH: Protecting outdoor workers from wildfire smoke

Garfield County Public Health

COMMUNITY NOTICE – Air quality
8.10.25

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO –  When smoke is in the air, take precautions to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

Employers and outdoor workers operating in areas with high levels of wildfire smoke should frequentlymonitor air quality conditions in their area and take steps to reduce smoke exposure, including relocating or rescheduling work tasks to smoke-free or less smoky areas and taking frequent breaks in smoke-free areas. 

Reducing exposure to outdoor workers:

Check the air quality and encourage employees to sign up for emergency alerts.

Smoke levels can change a lot during the day; if possible, wait until air quality is better before being active outdoors.

Keep employees informed about air quality conditions, safety measures, and any changes to work plans. 

Limit physical activity

Take it easier when smoke is in the air to reduce how much smoke is inhaled. When indoors, take steps to keep indoor air cool and clean. Encourage breaks and provide access to clean air spaces.

Choose a mask that will help protect from smoke.

It is important to know that cloth masks will not protect from wildfire smoke. N95 masks can provide protection from wildfire smoke. Consult your physician if you are uncertain about which type of mask is right for you or your work environment.

Reschedule outdoor work tasks if possible.

Reschedule outdoor work tasks and activities to a time when air quality improves. If outdoor tasks and activities cannot be rescheduled and must be conducted when air quality is poor, it is recommended that individuals reduce smoke inhalation by:

  • Limiting the time spent outdoors by only performing essential activities.
  • Taking frequent breaks indoors in places where the air is clean, especially during periods with high outdoor levels of wildfire smoke.
  • If you must work outdoors, wear an N95 mask.

Note: Some areas may have regulations to reduce smoke exposure for outdoor workers.

Monitor symptoms

Wildfire smoke can make you sick. Breathing in smoke can affect you right away, causing coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes and other symptoms.

Garfield County Public Health information is provided online on the Public Health website.


Protección para los trabajadores al aire libre del humo de incendios forestales

Orientación para empleadores y trabajadores al aire libre

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
8.10.25

CONDADO DE GARFIELD, CO- Cuando haya humo en el aire, tome precauciones para reducir la exposición al humo de incendios forestales.

Los empleadores y trabajadores al aire libre que operan en zonas con altos niveles de humo de incendios forestales deben monitorear con frecuencia la calidad del aire en su área y tomar medidas para reducir la exposición al humo, incluyendo la reubicación o reprogramación de las tareas laborales en zonas libres de humo o con menos humo, y tomar descansos frecuentes en dichas zonas.

Reducir la exposición de los trabajadores al aire libre:

Revise la calidad del aire y anime a los empleados a registrarse para recibir alertas de emergencia.

Los niveles de humo pueden variar mucho durante el día; si es posible, espere a que la calidad del aire mejore antes de realizar actividades al aire libre. Mantenga a los empleados informados sobre las condiciones de la calidad del aire, las medidas de seguridad y cualquier cambio en los planes de trabajo.

Limite la actividad física

Reduzca la exposición cuando haya humo en el aire para reducir la cantidad de humo que inhala. En interiores, tome medidas para mantener el aire fresco y limpio. Fomente los descansos y proporcione acceso a espacios con aire limpio.

 Elija un cubrebocas que le ayude a protegerse del humo.

Es importante saber que los cubrebocas de tela no protegen del humo de los incendios forestales. Los cubrebocas N95 sí pueden brindar protección contra el humo de los incendios forestales. Consulte a su médico si no está seguro de qué tipo de cubrebocas es adecuado para usted o su entorno laboral.

Si es posible, reprograme las tareas y actividades laborales al aire libre por un tiempo en lo que la calidad del aire mejore. Si las tareas y actividades al aire libre no se pueden reprogramar y deben realizarse cuando la calidad del aire es mala, se recomienda reducir la inhalación de humo:

• Limite el tiempo que se pasa al aire libre, realizando únicamente actividades esenciales.

• Tome descansos frecuentes en interiores donde el aire sea limpio, especialmente durante períodos con altos niveles de humo de incendios forestales.

• Si debe trabajar al aire libre, use un cubrebocas N95.

Note: Algunas zonas pueden tener regulaciones para reducir la exposición al humo de los trabajadores al aire libre.

Vigile los síntomas

El humo de los incendios forestales puede causar enfermedades. Inhalar humo puede afectarle de inmediato, causando tos, dificultad para respirar, sibilancias, ataques de asma, escozor en los ojos y otros síntomas.

La información de Salud Pública del Condado de Garfield se proporciona en línea en el sitio web de Salud Pública.

GCPH: Protecting outdoor workers from wildfire smoke