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Colorado National Guard Deployed as Western Slope Wildfires Exceed 60,000 Acres

An emergency declaration expansion has activated National Guard support, sustaining wildfire suppression efforts during ongoing red flag weather.

A Colorado Department of Transportation employee directs traffic at the intersection of W. Highway 64 and Rio Blanco County Rd. 7 as a Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s truck passes by while smoke billows from the Lee fire in Rio Blanco County just outside of Meeker on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathleen Kelley at her ranch as smoke billows from the Lee fire in Rio Blanco County just outside of Meeker, Colorado, on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Kelley's home was got some damage but did not burn down. The land around the home also was scorched. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
The Lee fire burns southwest of Meeker in Rio Blanco County on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Four Mile Fire Protection District)
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Overview

  • The merged Lee/Grease fire now spans over 60,000 acres with zero containment after rapid growth fueled by hot, dry and windy conditions
  • The Elk fire has burned roughly 14,256 acres at 0% containment and destroyed multiple structures as crews reinforce fire lines
  • Governor Polis expanded the disaster declaration this week, bringing in two Type 1 National Guard helicopters and 528 personnel to bolster firefighting efforts
  • Red flag warnings are set to continue through Saturday, with gusty winds and low humidity forecast to sustain extreme fire behavior
  • Mandatory evacuations and pre-evacuation notices remain in place for Meeker and nearby recreation areas as ranchers and residents rescue livestock and assist firefighting operations