Multiple fires reported in Northwest Colorado
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 3,000 acres and is burning in the Oak Ridge area 10 miles east of Meeker on a combination of BLM, state and private lands. Evacuations have been ordered for Country Road 8 from Mile Marker 11 to Mile Marker 16. An evacuation location is set up at 200 Main Street in Meeker. One primary structure and four outbuildings have been reported as lost. Local Type 3 initial attack teams are currently battling the fire with the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three expected to transition to management tomorrow. Steep terrain, winds, and dry fuels are making the fire resistant to firefighting efforts. The fire is visible from the town of Meeker and along Rio Blanco County Road 8.
The Lee Fire, first reported the afternoon of Aug. 2, is currently estimated at 700 acres with no known containment. The fire is burning 20 miles southwest of Meeker on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management White River Field Office.
The Grease Fire, first reported the afternoon of Aug. 3, is estimated to be 1,000 acres in size with no known containment. The fire is burning roughly 12 miles west of Meeker in the upper end of Rio Blanco County along Road 22 on both state-managed lands and lands managed by the BLM White River Field Office.
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. The fire is burning on both private and BLM White River Field Office. Local initial attack BLM engines along with Moffat County resources are engaging the fire utilizing direct attack methods to minimize the spread and maximize firefighter safety.
Similar warm, dry weather is forecasted for the area for Monday, with Weather Service issuing a Fire Weather Watch for Monday for dry fuels, low relative humidity and gusty winds. 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 10 a.m. Aug. 4, 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.