Large northwest Colorado wildfire continues improving on containment
Fire crews on Monday continue to strengthen containment zones in a battle against one of Colorado’s largest wildfires in history.
As of Monday, the lightning-caused Lee fire, which has scorched 137,485 acres near Meeker, is 61% contained, according to the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team.
The Lee fire, which is Colorado’s fifth largest in history, hasn’t significantly grown since Sunday.
The other nearby wildfire, the Elk fire that burned 14,518 acres, had already been fully contained.
One of the largest developments over the weekend was the reopening of Highway 13, serving motorists north and south between Meeker and Rifle.
On Monday, Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team officials said crews continue to work on hot spots on the south and west sides of the fires. Despite the weather hot conditions, the crews are making progress against the fire.
Several evacuation zones were downgraded over the weekend. Those in the area can check U.S. Forest Service maps on where fires are impacting most.