Colorado Wildfire Burns Over 120,000 Acres—Evacuations Ordered

As wildfire season is in full swing, Arizona and California have already dealt with mega fires this month. Now, the focus has shifted to Colorado as two lightning-caused wildfires have been at least 120,000 acres so far.

The Lee Fire

Two fires, the Elk and Lee Fire are currently burning. The Elk Fire has burned 14,000 acres and is 30% contained. Out of the two fires, the Lee Fire is the larger one, forcing evacuations in two counties, from homes and even a prison. It even got within one mile of Meeker, a small ranching and hunting town, 150 miles west of Denver.

Bethany Urban, fire information officer with Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3, explained that the fire has spread mainly because of the significant drought conditions. She added in these conditions, it doesn't take much wind to help the fire spread.

Currently, the Lee Fire is only at 6% containment as firefighters try to put it out while remaining safe. Flames have reached at least 100 feet in height and are spreading faster than 1mph.