Colorado wildfires: Meeker fires scorch more than 59,000 acres

Three wildfires burning in western Colorado have consumed nearly 60,000 acres, according to fire officials.

The majority of the burn area is dominated by the Lee and Elk fires burning near Meeker in Rio Blanco County. The two lightning-sparked wildfires have scorched 45,000 acres and 14,250 acres, respectively, as of Wednesday evening.

Evacuation orders remain in place for each of the three wildfires.

Jump to: Lee fire | Elk fire | Stoner Mesa fire

The Lee fire southwest of Meeker

A wildfire burning near Meeker in Rio Blanco County has continued to multiply its footprint each day, consuming roughly 45,000 acres with no containment as of Wednesday evening, fire officials said.

The 45,000-acre Lee fire was sparked Saturday by lightning and is now the largest wildfire burning