Colorado Prison Evacuated as Lee Fire Becomes Colorado’s 6th-Largest Wildfire
The Lee Fire, a rapidly spreading wildfire in western Colorado, has burned over 167 square miles (433 km²) across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties and is currently at 6% containment. The fire’s swift expansion prompted authorities to evacuate a nearby correctional facility on August 10, 2025.
Officials ordered the evacuation of all 179 inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center “out of an abundance of caution.” According to local emergency management, no injuries were reported during the transfer.
Inmate Relocation and Emergency Response
Firefighters—more than 1,000 personnel—are battling the Lee Fire using both ground crews and air resources. Authorities prioritized protecting critical infrastructure and key travel routes such as Colorado 13 and County Road 5 to limit further community impacts.
Wildfire Impact & Regional Alerts
No fatalities or structural losses have been confirmed, but air quality alerts are in effect across parts of western Colorado due to smoke from both the Lee Fire and the nearby Elk Fire. Residents in remote mountain areas have been urged to remain alert and prepared to evacuate should conditions deteriorate.
Lee Fire at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Area burned | 167 square miles (433 km²) |
| Containment level | 6% |
| Rank in state history | Sixth-largest wildfire in Colorado history |
| Inmates evacuated | 179 (Rifle Correctional Center) |
| Relocation site | Buena Vista Correctional Complex |
| Firefighting personnel | Over 1,000 |
| Related fire | Elk Fire — also producing smoke and air-quality impacts |
Why This Matters
The evacuation of a correctional facility highlights the severity of the Lee Fire and the challenges emergency teams face protecting both people and infrastructure. Rapid wildfire growth near populated areas underscores the importance of preparedness and coordinated responses from local, state, and federal agencies.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on evacuation notices, road closures, air-quality advisories, and containment progress, follow official channels such as the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control and the Colorado Department of Corrections. Local emergency management offices will post region-specific guidance.
- Local and national coverage (AP, ABC News, USA Today reporting)
- Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control — official advisories