FDNY Incident Management Team

Incident Commander Mike Burke

Lee Fire update document

Location: 11 miles south of Meeker, Colorado
Start Date: 08/02/2025
Cause: Lightning Size: Lee Fire: 138,844 acres
Containment: Lee Fire: 90%
208 Total Personnel; 1 Helicopter; 10 Engines; 1 Hand Crew; 1 Water Tender; 2 Dozers

KEY MESSAGE
Today, crews are continuing repair work in areas affected by suppression activities, following agency standards and working closely with Resource Advisors. These efforts aim to reduce the impacts of firefighting operations while protecting important natural and cultural resources. Fireline is being restored to local and agency standards, and patrols are underway to ensure the fire remains secure within its current footprint. Suppression repair operations will continue under the approved Suppression Repair Plan, minimizing impacts and supporting progress toward full containment

CURRENT STATUS
Yesterday, the FDNY Incident Management Team formally assumed command of the Lee Fire. Updated acreage was reported following the most recent infrared flight, which was completed after several earlier cancellations due to unfavorable weather conditions. This flight provided a clearer picture of current fire activity and perimeter status. Across all divisions, crews continued suppression repair, and debris removal, working closely with Resource Advisors to mitigate impacts and restore affected areas. These efforts remain a priority as containment objectives progress and conditions allow.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
The monsoonal pattern remains firmly in place, with rainfall probabilities near 100% over the coming days. Widespread cloud cover with embedded showers is moving across the area. Should clearing occur by midday, stronger thunderstorms are likely to develop, increasing the potential for flash flooding. If cloud cover persists, conditions remain limited to lighter, intermittent rain with minimal lightning or heavy downpours.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
For accurate up-to-date information on evacuations and road closures for Rio Blanco County go to the

Operational Briefing with IC Mike Burke and Operations Section Mike Izzo

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

FDNY Incident Management Team

Incident Commander Mike Burke

Location: 11 miles south of Meeker, Colorado
Start Date: 08/02/2025
Cause: Lightning Size: Lee Fire: 137,758 acres
Containment: Lee Fire: 90%
266 Total Personnel; 1 Helicopter; 9 Engines; 3 Hand Crews; 2 Water Tenders; 2 Dozers

KEY MESSAGE

Today at 0600, the FDNY Incident Management Team assumed command of the Lee fire. We extend our appreciation to the Northern Rockies IMT for their dedicated efforts and smooth transition. On the southwest flank, crews will continue patrolling and working to secure the fire’s perimeter. Suppression repair and debris removal will be ongoing across all divisions, conducted in coordination with resource advisors.

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday, fire activity remained minimal, with only isolated creeping and smoldering observed within the perimeter. Crews concentrated on securing constructed line, conducting patrol and mop-up along existing containment, and advancing suppression repair in coordination with Resource Advisors. Continued rainfall is expected to elevate the risk of flash flooding and debris flows within burned and surrounding areas.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop again today, with skies clearing during the late morning before storms build in the afternoon. Daytime heating will drive thunderstorm development, with cumulus buildups after 11:00 signaling activity. A wet pattern will continue through the week, with a 90–100% chance of daily rainfall through Thursday. Storms may bring periods of heavy rain, frequent lightning, gusty outflow winds, and small hail.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

For accurate up-to-date information on evacuations and road closures for Rio Blanco County go to the
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
at: https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice. For Garfield County updates go
to: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/. USFS White River National Forest and BLM closure rescission information is available at: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/cowrd-lee-fire