Elk Fire in western Colorado grows to 4,000 acres, evacuations ordered
The Elk Fire, located 10 miles southeast of Meeker, was sparked by lightning as thunderstorms rolled through the area over the weekend. It has continued to grow quickly, spreading rapidly due to dry conditions and pinyon, juniper and oak brush growing in the area.
Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency Sunday due to the Elk Fire. According to the Bureau of Land Management, one structure and four outbuildings have been lost. An evacuation location is set up at 200 Main Street in Meeker.
Two fires continue to burn to the southwest of Meeker as well. The Lee Fire and the Grease Fire have held through the day at roughly 700 acres and 1,000 acres, respectively.
Evacuation orders are in place in several areas near the Elk Fire. Residents in these areas should evacuate now:
Pre-evacuations are in place near the Elk Fire in several locations, and residents in the area should be ready to evacuate if needed:
Evacuation orders are also in place for residents near the Lee Fire. Those living in these areas should evacuate now:
Pre-evacuation orders are in place for residents on County Road 33. Please be ready to leave if the area is ordered to evacuate.
Several roads in Rio Blanco County are closed while crews work to contain the fires, including:
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