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Multiple fires reported in Northwest Colorado

Colorado
Northwest DO
Media Contact
James Michels
(970) 749-7399
BLM Office:
two plumes of smoke from wildfires on sagebrush and pinyon pine covered landscapes cover a blue sky in white and gray smoke
A view of both the Lee and Grease fires burning outside of Meeker, Colorado, Aug. 3, 2025. (BLM photo by James Michels)

MEEKER, Colo. – Recent thunderstorm activity sparked multiple wildland fires in Rio Blanco and Moffat counties in northwest Colorado. 

The Elk Fire, initially reported the afternoon of Aug. 2, is estimated to be over 7,750acres and is burning in the Oak Ridge area 10 miles east of Meeker on a combination of BLM, state and private lands. 

Pre-evacuations have been ordered for County Road 14, County Road 57, and County Road 8 from mile markers 19-27. One primary structure and four outbuildings have been reported as lost. The fire is visible from the town of Meeker and along Rio Blanco County Road 8. 

smoky haze fills the sky from distant fires burning in a sagebrush-covered field
A view of the Elk Fire burning outside of Meeker, Colorado, Aug. 3, 2025. (BLM photo by James Michels)

The Lee and Grease fires, first reported the afternoon of Aug. 2, are currently estimated at 13,025 acres for both fires with no known containment. The fire is burning approximately 18 miles southwest of Meeker on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management White River Field Office. 

Evacuations have been ordered for County Road 22 of of County Road 5; County Road 76 intersection County Road 3 to 5; Highway 64 mile marker 58-72; everything south of Highway 64 including County Road 127, County Road 129, County Road 66 and Brightwater Lane; and County Road 33. Pre-evacuation orders have been put in place for County Road 33.

A Type 3 control team from Wyoming is managing both the Lee Fire and the Grease Fire. Oil and gas infrastructure as well as power infrastructure are at risk. Fires are visible from the town of Meeker, Colorado State Highway 13 and 64, and Rio Blanco County Road 5. 

The Jack Springs Fire is estimated to be 105 acres in size at 80% containment seven miles north of Massadona in grass, sagebrush, pinyon, and juniper. 

Windy, hot and dry weather are predicted to continue. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority on all of these incidents. Please use caution when traveling in the areas of these fires as firefighting crews and resources will be traveling the same routes as they respond to these incidents.

This information is current as of 1 p.m. MST Aug. 5, 2025

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.