The continued growth of the lightning-caused Lee Fire in western Colorado has prompted many evacuations at this point, including the evacuation of prison inmates. The Colorado Department of Corrections announced on Saturday that it was decided to transfer the inmates from the Rifle Correctional Center to other secure facilities outside the fire-affected area. The announcement stated that this was done out of an abundance of caution. At least 9 Evacuation Zones in immediate danger in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties remain in the RED-GO evacuation status due to the Elk and Lee Fires. Unfortunately, some confusion was caused when a regional emergency alert was issued over the weekend stating that “All parties that were evacuated for wildfire can return home.” The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s
Lee Fire Evacuations Include 179 Prison Inmates

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