Several major wildfires are burning across western Colorado, prompting evacuations, destroying structures, and testing firefighting resources across the region. The most significant blaze, the Lee Fire in Rio Blanco County near Meeker, grew on Sunday to become the fifth-largest wildfire in Colorado history. At the same time, fires in Archuleta and Moffat counties have forced evacuations in several communities on the Western Slope.
Governor Jared Polis has declared disaster emergencies for multiple fires, with more than 1,000 firefighting personnel deployed to contain the blazes. While the Lee and Elk Fires remain active, some evacuation zones have been downgraded to “Set” or “Ready” status. However, officials caution that wildfire conditions can change quickly, and several areas remain under “Go” orders for immediate evacuation.
In Moffat County, crews have fully contained the “Thirteen Fire,” which began as a structure fire in the 700 block of East 13th Street in Craig on Sunday afternoon. The blaze quickly spread into nearby fields, creating a fast-moving wildland-urban interface fire. Evacuations were ordered for part of the city, with 55 residences under threat. The fire burned roughly 35 acres before containment, but not before four structures were destroyed — three buildings, including a home, on the property where the fire started, and a garage or shed at another location.
Two firefighters were transported to a hospital for evaluation due to smoke inhalation and heat-related fatigue. Both have since been released. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials say determining the origin may be difficult given the extent of suppression efforts.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain prepared and follow evacuation instructions as conditions evolve. “Do not let your guard down,” the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Wildfires can change in minutes, and this fire remains very active.”
