Colorado wildfire forces prison evacuation as fire grows among largest in state history

Prisoners were evacuated from a Colorado prison on Saturday after the Lee Fire, one of the largest wildfires in the state’s history, continued to spread across Garfield and Rio Blanco counties. The fire has burned more than 167 square miles (about 433 square kilometres) with just 6% containment.

All 179 inmates were moved from Rifle Correctional Center to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex about 150 miles (240 kilometres) away as a precaution, according to the Colorado Department of Corrections. No injuries or structural damage have been reported so far.

More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, aiming to contain it west of Colorado 13 and north of County Road 5. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for nearby mountain communities and warned residents in remote areas to be prepared for possible evacuation due to gusty winds and low humidity.

Meanwhile, air quality warnings remain in effect because of smoke from the Lee Fire and the nearby Elk Fire, which has burned 23 square miles (60 square kilometres).

In California, crews have reached 62% containment on the Canyon Fire near the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. The blaze has destroyed seven structures and injured three firefighters. The Gifford Fire, California’s largest this year, has scorched 180 square miles (466 square kilometres) with 21% containment.

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