Prison evacuated as Colorado wildfire becomes one of the largest in state history
More than 1,000 firefighters now battling Colorado blaze
- A Colorado prison has been evacuated due to the rapidly growing Lee Fire, which has charred over 167 square miles (433 square kilometres) across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
- The Lee Fire, currently only six percent contained, is being exacerbated by gusty winds and low humidity, prompting warnings for remote residents to prepare for immediate departure.
- All 179 incarcerated people from the Rifle Correctional Center were safely relocated as a precaution, with no injuries or structural damage reported from the blaze.
- Now the sixth-largest single fire in Colorado's history, the Lee Fire is being battled by over 1,000 firefighters, with air quality warnings issued due to smoke.
- Separately, wildfires are also burning in California, including the Canyon Fire, which is 62 percent contained, and the Gifford Fire, the state's largest this year at 180 square miles.