Evacuation Zone 70, located northwest of Rifle, was elevated to “GO” (Red) Evacuate NOW status at about 2 p.m. Saturday due to the advancing Elk and Lee fires, according to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents in Zone 70 should evacuate by heading south to Rifle on County Road 253 (Piceance Creek Road) to Highway 13. Highway 13 was closed in both directions at mile marker 4, just north of Rifle, around noon Saturday, however local traffic is still permitted through the closed area.

Zone 70 is the first evacuation zone in Garfield County to be placed under mandatory evacuation (Red status).

Around 6 a.m. Saturday Zones 80 and 81 in northern Garfield County were upgraded to “Set” (Yellow) evacuation status. Residents there are advised to remain alert and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen. To check your evacuation zone, visit https://tinyurl.com/nxmx65hj.

The Lee Fire, burning west of Meeker, is at about 92,047 acres with 0% containmnent. The southeast portion of the fire is becoming more active near County Road 60 and moving southwest from Highway 13. Air operations will continue to support strategic firing and firefighters are working to defend critical resources and private residences in the area, according to a 1:30 p.m. Saturday update from Elk and Lee Fire Information. An air quality alert due to smoke from the Lee Fire was issued for Garfield County on Saturday morning.

The Elk Fire, located 11 miles southeast of Meeker, is currently burning at around 14,635 acres with 8% containment.

This story will continue to be updated.