Weather conditions hamper firefighting efforts in the western part of the state
In western Colorado, firefighters are working to contain two lightning-caused wildfires that have burned more than 120,000 acres in recent days. Authorities are focusing on protecting homes and infrastructure linked to the oil and gas industry, while awaiting an improvement in weather conditions.
Progress of the Lee Fire and evacuation measures
The largest blaze, known as the Lee Fire, has prompted evacuation orders in two counties, affecting homes and a prison. At one point, the flames were less than a mile from Meeker, a small ranching and hunting community located about 150 miles west of Denver.
Officials report that prolonged drought and dry vegetation have fueled the rapid spread of the fire. In some instances, crews have been pulled back to ensure safety due to hazardous conditions.
Resources deployed and current situation
Because this year’s wildfire season in the western U.S. has been less active than expected, more resources have been available for this incident. Local accommodations, such as the Elk Mountain Inn in Meeker, are fully booked with firefighting crews.
Firefighters have established containment lines along a state highway, helping shield the town while continuing to extinguish hotspots. However, air quality remains poor in parts of western Colorado and southern California, where the Gifford Fire has burned more than 117,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest.
The weather forecast for the week calls for continued hot, dry, and windy conditions, prolonging the risk and making containment efforts more challenging.
