
The **Lee Fire**, ignited by lightning on August 2 near Meeker, Colorado, has rapidly grown into the state’s sixth-largest wildfire, scorching over 167 square miles with just 6% containment. Fueled by strong winds and low humidity, the blaze forced the evacuation of 179 inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center on Saturday, relocating them 150 miles away to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex as a precaution. While no injuries or structural damage have been reported, more than 1,000 firefighters are battling the flames as evacuation orders remain in place for nearby communities and air quality warnings continue due to heavy smoke.