Colorado prison evacuated as growing wildfire becomes one of the largest in state history
August 10, 2025
A Colorado prison was evacuated as one of the largest wildfires in state history continued to grow, with officials warning residents of remote areas to be ready to leave as gusty winds and low humidity feed the flames. Evacuation orders were already in place for mountain communities as the Lee Fire charred more than 167 square miles across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties. It’s just 6% contained on Sunday. Officials say all 179 incarcerated people were safely removed from the Rifle Correctional Center on Saturday. In California, crews reached 62% containment on the 8-square-mile Canyon Fire that forced evacuations after breaking out Thursday near the LA County and Ventura County line.