MEEKER | We understand there are many challenges following the recent fires, and we want to ensure landowners have support and clear information moving forward. Join us for an open, drop-in, community meeting where staff from the BLM, Rio Blanco County, and the Conservation Districts will be on hand to[Read More…]
Tag: Lee Fire
BLM lifts fire closure for Lee Fire
MEEKER | Effective Sept. 9, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management has lifted the fire closure for the Lee Fire, following improved conditions and successful suppression efforts. The closure was necessary to ensure public safety and allow fire personnel to conduct operations without interference. Recent assessments have confirmed that fire[Read More…]
Declaring disaster: Emergency resolutions open doors to aid
RBC | On Aug. 3, the Rio Blanco County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring a local disaster emergency for the Elk Fire southeast of Meeker. Later that day, Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency for the fire. On Aug. 5, Polis expanded the order to include the Lee[Read More…]
Fire suppression repair efforts underway on Elk, Lee fires
MEEKER | Last week, reporters from the Herald Times had the opportunity to observe suppression repair efforts on both the Lee Fire and the Elk Fire, led by Northern Rockies Team 1, offering a firsthand look at the extensive work required after a wildfire is contained. Lee Fire: Repairing Firefighting[Read More…]
90% containment reached for Lee Fire
MEEKER | As of press time Wednesday, the Lee Fire was mapped at 137,758 acres. The acreage was updated to reflect more accurate mapping. The FDNY Incident Management team assumed command of the fire on Monday. There were 211 total personnel on the Lee Fire per the Wednesday update. Tuesday[Read More…]
Elk Fire 100% contained, Lee Fire at 68% – New team took command Monday
MEEKER | With the Elk Fire 100% contained, progress continues on the south side of the Lee Fire, with 68% containment as of press time Wednesday. On Monday the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 handed off command of the incident to the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management[Read More…]
FORTITUDE UNDER FIRE – Elk and Lee fires consume 130,000 acres of Rio Blanco County; now 5th largest wildfire in Colorado history
MEEKER | The Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 hosted a media briefing and tour Tuesday to provide updates on the Elk and Lee fires. Tyler Nathe, operations section chief for the team, said the Elk Fire currently covers 14,549 acres with 30% containment (that number has since[Read More…]
Fire Update: Thursday, Aug. 7
MEEKER | As per the official update from the incident team this morning, the Lee Fire has grown to an estimated 45,000 acres and the Elk Fire is at 14,250 acres. There are 476 total personnel, and resources to include 14 aircraft, 15 engines, 14 hand crews, and two heavy[Read More…]
Fire Update: Wednesday, Aug. 6
IMPORTANT: There is a community meeting tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 6) at 7 p.m. at Meeker High School. Fire managers and local authorities will present on current and future fire, weather, and evacuation status. Directly after the presentations there will be fire managers, local authorities, and public information officers available at[Read More…]
ELK FIRE TO THE EAST, LEE FIRE TO THE WEST
Pictured is a helicopter being used to fight the Elk Fire east of Meeker. Smoke from the Lee Fire darkened the sky over Meeker this week as the blaze to the west expanded dramatically, prompting multiple evacuations. The Elk Fire off County Rd. 8 to the east of Meeker also[Read More…]
