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Wildfires

Colorado Prison Evacuated as Largest Wildfire in State History Continues to Grow

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Colorado prison in Rifle Correctional Center was evacuated on Saturday as the Lee Fire raged on, charring over 167 square miles across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties. The wildfire, which is currently the sixth-largest single fire in Colorado's history, has forced over 1,000 firefighters to battle the blaze. No injuries or structural damage have been reported, but health officials have issued air quality warnings due to smoke from the Lee Fire and the adjacent Elk Fire.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lee Fire has charred over 167 square miles across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, making it the sixth-largest single fire in Colorado's history.
  • The fire has 6% containment, with crews working to keep the flames to the west of Colorado 13 and north of County Road 5.
  • 179 incarcerated people were safely removed from the Rifle Correctional Center on Saturday and temporarily relocated to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex.
  • Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, but health officials have issued air quality warnings due to smoke from the Lee Fire and the Elk Fire.
  • The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control is monitoring the situation, and officials are working to ensure public safety.
  • The Gifford Fire, California's largest blaze so far this year, has scorched at least 180 square miles of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, but is only 21% contained.

Statistics:

  • The Lee Fire has burned over 167 square miles across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
  • The fire has 6% containment.
  • 1,000+ firefighters are battling the blaze.
  • 179 incarcerated people were safely removed from the Rifle Correctional Center.
  • 7 structures were destroyed in the Canyon Fire in Southern California.
  • The Gifford Fire has burned at least 180 square miles in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
  • The Canyon Fire in Southern California has 62% containment.

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • Colorado Department of Corrections
  • Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
  • AP News
  • The Associated Press

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