Colorado Prison Evacuated as Wildfire Becomes Largest in State History: Reactions and Debate
As the Lee fire in Colorado continues to grow, officials evacuated the Rifle Correctional Center, relocating 179 incarcerated individuals due to the rapidly expanding blaze. The fire, now the sixth-largest in Colorado’s history, has consumed over 167 square miles and prompted evacuation orders for mountain communities. Firefighters are working to contain the fire amidst concerns regarding air quality due to smoke from the Lee and Elk fires. Simultaneously, California is battling several wildfires, including the Canyon fire, which is 62% contained, and the Gifford fire, which has burned at least 180 square miles.