- 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.
IN FULL
Prison evacuated as Colorado wildfire becomes one of the largest in state history
