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 .05”– 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 evening update

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Evening Update – Aug. 15, 2025, 8:56 p.m.

Elk Fire: 14,518 acres | 93% contained
Lee Fire: 133,954 acres | 31% contained

Firefighters made steady progress today on containment efforts across both fires, including work on contingency lines. The Elk Fire resources focused on final containment and support to local units. On the Lee Fire, crews continued to secure areas along Highway 13 and worked across the fire to reinforce lines and address interior heat.

Weather today brought higher humidity, which helped moderate fire activity. Conditions are expected to dry out over the next several days, with the potential for thunderstorms returning next week.

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

Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew on the Lee Fire

Photo: Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew

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
Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Lee Fire evening update

Routt National Forest in Stage 2 fire restrictions

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

August 15, 2025, 6:26 p.m. – Important fire safety update:

The below press release from the U.S. Forest Service – Routt National Forest contains important information for anyone recreating in our area. Parts of Garfield County fall within the Routt National Forest, so please take a moment to read through the details before you head out.

For a list of surrounding areas in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and what it means visit here: https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/emerg…/fire-restrictions/

Let’s all do our part to protect our beautiful lands and keep our community safe.

Map of fire restrictions in the Routt-Medicine Bow Wilderness.

United States Forest Service

Sections of Routt National Forest are in Garfield County

Severe conditions put Routt National Forest in Stage 2 fire restrictions

Campfires are not allowed under these restrictions.

(LARAMIE, Wyo.) August 15, 2025 – Effective immediately, Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place for the Routt National Forest in northwest Colorado.

This includes National Forest System lands located in Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service has communicated with all affected counties, state agencies, and neighboring federal land managers on the timing of the restrictions.

All criteria have been met for the Forest to move into Stage 2 restrictions and the USDA Forest Service is aligned with surrounding land managers regarding this action. Tightened restrictions are necessary due to extreme, dry fuel conditions that are receptive to fire, persistent fire weather patterns, and the danger of human-caused wildfires. Recent weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. Fire restrictions will help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources.

The Routt National Forest was last in Stage 2 restrictions in 2020 and has been in Stage 1 restrictions since July 10 of this year.

The following prohibitions are in effect until further notice:

  • Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
  • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building.
  • Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
  • Using an explosive.
    • This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
  • Possessing or using a motor vehicle off NFS roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle.

Personal, portable wood or charcoal burning fire pits/rings, often made of stainless steel, are not allowed under these restrictions. Only gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch may be used.

Always important for fire prevention and enforceable year-round is the following prohibition regarding spark arrester use:

  • Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-1.
    • For chainsaw use, it is recommended the operator have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.

Violation of the Stage 2 Fire Prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.

Forest staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions if weather remains hot and dry and lessening restrictions if a wetter and cooler weather pattern develops.

To report a wildland fire, please call the Northern Colorado Interagency Dispatch Center, (970) 295-6800.

Call your local office for site-specific information.

  • Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, Steamboat Springs, Colo., (970) 870-2299
  • Parks Ranger District, Walden, Colo., (970) 723-2700
  • Yampa Ranger District, Yampa, Colo., (970) 638-4516
  • Forest Supervisor’s Office, Laramie, Wyo., (307) 745-2300

Information on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland can be found on our website or on the Forests’ ‘X’ and Facebook accounts.

-USDA-

Routt National Forest stage 2 fire restrictions map

Routt National Forest stage 2 fire restrictions

Routt National Forest in Stage 2 fire restrictions

Lee Fire: Elk and Lee fires information update

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

August 15, 2025, 3:45 p.m. – Firelines are holding on both the Lee and Elk fires this afternoon. Crews are mopping up to secure these lines and put out any hot spots. Firefighters are also focusing mop up efforts around structures and other values at risk. Prep work is continuing on contingency lines on the south edge of the fire.

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

Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew on the Lee Fire.

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
BLM Colorado Fire

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: Elk and Lee fires information update

Lee Fire: Photos of Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

August 15, 2025, 11:53 a.m. – Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew on the Lee Fire.

  • Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew on the Lee Fire

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: Photos of Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew

Lee Fire: Photos of Wyoming Interagency Hotshots night operations

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

August 15, 2025, 11:28 a.m. – Wyoming Interagency Hotshot Crew conducts night operations on the Lee Fire. Photo by Wyoming IHC.

  • Wyoming Interagency Hotshot Crew conducts night operations on the Lee Fire. Photo by Wyoming IHC

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: Photos of Wyoming Interagency Hotshots night operations

Lee Fire: Recording of the August 14 community meeting

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

August 15, 2025, 1:35 p.m. – Recording of the Community Meeting on August 14, 2025 at Rifle – Colorado Mountain College.

Reminder that there will be a community meeting at the Meeker High School, tomorrow, August 16 at 7 p.m.

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

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
BLM Colorado Fire
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

Bureau of Land Management Fire
Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Lee Fire: Recording of the August 14 community meeting

Lee Fire: Elk and Lee fires information update

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3

Elk and Lee Fires update document
Elk and Lee fires update document – Spanish

Map

Elk and Lee Fire Update – Friday, August 15, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
Size: Elk Fire: 14,518 acres | Lee Fire: 133,841 acres
Total personnel: 1,274
Containment: Elk Fire: 93% | Lee Fire 12%
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 14 Aircraft | 29 Hand Crews | 82 Engines | 41 Heavy Equipment

Important note: The Bureau of Land Management has reopened a portion of public lands in Rio Blanco County while keeping other identified areas closed due to recent activity on the Lee Fire. Visit BLM Colorado Fire on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire for additional information and a link to the current closure order.

Yesterday: Lee Fire – Crews made steady progress, increasing containment on the north side of the fire and continued to work along Hogback Ridge to secure the edge. Firefighters went direct along control lines to keep the fire within established boundaries north of County Road 5, while interior fuels continued to burn on the west side. Aviation resources supported crews with water bucket drops on the south end, holding the existing spot fire from spreading further to the south. Despite erratic winds that challenged the control lines, firefighters successfully held the fire north of County Road 5 while continuing to secure control lines along Highway 13.

Elk Fire: The fire remained within established containment lines The fire continues to creep around and smolder inside the fire perimeter. Crews continued to patrol, mop up, and reinforce lines along the perimeter. Firefighters began suppression repair work to restore areas disturbed during suppression activities.

Current situation: Lee Fire – While there is an increased chance of precipitation, critically low fuel moisture will continue to drive fire behavior. Conditions are expected to remain slightly below critical thresholds, with the potential for isolated torching and spotting, particularly in unburned pockets inside established containment lines. Crews will patrol and mop up any hotspots to reinforce firelines on the west side and along the Highway 13 corridor. Interior burning is anticipated to continue north of County Road 5. Heavy equipment, fire crews, and aviation resources will continue to work to hold the spot fire south of County Road 5.

Elk Fire: No new growth is expected. Crews will continue to reinforce firelines as they patrol and mop up hotspots inside containment lines and work on fire suppression repair.

Weather & fire behavior: Cloud cover and a slight increase in moisture are expected, though the potential for wetting rain remains low. Temperatures will be in the lower 80s with midday west/northwest winds at 6-12 mph and gusts up to 26 mph. Dry thunderstorms may develop, bringing erratic, gusty winds and the potential for rapid changes in fire behavior.

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/.

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

Map of the Elk and Lee fires on August 15, 2025.

Go to the Rio Branco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice – 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.

Actualización del incendio Elk y Lee – Jueves 15 de agosto de 2025: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/cowrd-lee-fire
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
BLM Colorado Fire
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado

Actualización del incendio Elk y Lee – Viernes 15 de agosto de 2025

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del Área de las Montañas Rocosas 3 Casey Cheesbrough, Comandante de Incidentes
Información sobre incendios: 970-341-8665 | Medios: 970-341-8663
Tamaño: Incendio Elk: 14.518 acres | Incendio Lee: 133.841 acres
Personal total: 1.274
Contención: Incendio Elk: 93% | Incendio Lee 12%
Causa: Relámpago

Recursos: 14 aviones | 29 cuadrillas | 82 camiones de bomberos | 41 maquinaria pesada

Anuncio especial: Se llevará a cabo una reunión comunitaria por los incendios de Lee y Elk el sábado 16 de agosto a las 7:00 p.m. en Meeker High School, 550 School St, en Meeker, CO.

Notas importantes: La Oficina de Administración de Tierras ha reabierto una parte de las tierras públicas en el condado de Río Blanco mientras mantiene cerradas otras áreas identificadas debido a la actividad reciente en el incendio Lee. Visite BLM Colorado Fire en Facebook en https://www.facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire para obtener información adicional y un enlace a la orden de cierre actual.

Ayer: Incendio Lee – Las cuadrillas hicieron un progreso constante, aumentando la contención en el lado norte del incendio y continuaron trabajando a lo largo de Hogback Ridge para asegurar el borde. Los bomberos fueron directamente a lo largo de las líneas de control para mantener el fuego dentro de los límites establecidos al norte de County Road 5, mientras que los combustibles interiores continuaron ardiendo en el lado oeste. Los recursos de aviación apoyaron a las cuadrillas con cubos de agua en el extremo sur, evitando que el incendio existente se extendiera más hacia el sur. A pesar de los vientos erráticos que desafiaron las líneas de control, los bomberos contuvieron con éxito el fuego al norte de County Road 5 mientras continuaban asegurando las líneas de control a lo largo de la autopista 13.

Incendio Elk: El fuego permaneció dentro de las líneas de contención establecidas El fuego continúa arrastrándose y ardiendo dentro del perímetro del incendio. Las cuadrillas continuaron patrullando, limpiando y reforzando las líneas a lo largo del perímetro. Los bomberos comenzaron los trabajos de reparación de supresión para restaurar las áreas perturbadas durante las actividades de supresión.
Situación actual: Incendio Lee: Si bien existe una mayor probabilidad de precipitación, la humedad del combustible críticamente baja continuará impulsando el comportamiento del fuego. Se espera que las condiciones permanezcan ligeramente por debajo de los niveles críticos, con la posibilidad de quemas y manchas aisladas, particularmente en bolsas no quemadas dentro de las líneas de contención establecidas. Las cuadrillas patrullarán y limpiarán cualquier punto caliente para reforzar las líneas de fuego en el lado oeste y a lo largo del corredor de la autopista 13. Se prevé que la quema interior continúe al norte de County Road 5. El equipo pesado, los equipos de bomberos y los recursos de aviación continuarán trabajando para contener el incendio al sur de County Road 5.
Incendio Elk: No se espera un nuevo crecimiento. Las cuadrillas continuarán reforzando las líneas de fuego mientras patrullan y limpian los puntos calientes dentro de las líneas de contención y trabajan en la reparación de la extinción de incendios.

Comportamiento del clima y el fuego: Se espera una capa de nubes y un ligero aumento de la humedad, aunque el potencial de lluvia húmeda sigue siendo bajo. Las temperaturas estarán en los 80 grados inferiores con vientos del mediodía del oeste / noroeste de 6 a 12 mph y ráfagas de hasta 26 mph. Pueden desarrollarse tormentas eléctricas secas, trayendo vientos erráticos y racheados y la posibilidad de cambios rápidos en el comportamiento del fuego.

Evacuaciones y cierres: CR 5 y Hwy 13 permanecen cerradas. 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/. Visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Río Branco – https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice – para obtener información precisa y actualizada sobre todas las evacuaciones y cierres de carreteras. Para inscribirse 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://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-colorado-issues-emergency-closure-public-lands-rio-blanco-county.
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

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: Elk and Lee fires information update