Elk and Lee Fires

Elk and Lee Fires · Started Aug 5, 2025 at 5:38 PM

n/aacres

n/acontained

n/apersonnel

Under reviewcause

Aug 5, 2025 at 5:38 PMdiscovered

Approximate area based on reported fire size

About this incident

The Elk fire was discovered on Saturday, August 2nd as a lightning strike on private land in the Oak Ridge area. Drought with severe and extreme weather conditions along with two days of red flag warning caused heightened fire activity. Residences were evacuated from the area. As weather conditions changed and remained favorable for the Elk Fire, crews were able to gain substantial line around the Elk Fire

For latest on evacuation notices and to sign up for reverse 911

Rio Blanco County: https://rioblancoalerts.genasys.com/portal/en

Updates

3 · newest first

Aug 17, 2025, 4:15 AM
Wildfire contained: Elk RBX Fire
This wildfire has been reported as contained or controlled.
The Elk fire was discovered on Saturday, August 2nd as a lightning strike on private land in the Oak Ridge area. Drought with severe and extreme weather conditions along with two days of red flag warning caused heightened fire activity. Residences were evacuated from the area. As weather conditions changed and remained favorable for the Elk Fire, crews were able to gain substantial line around the Elk Fire
For latest on evacuation notices and to sign up for reverse 911
Rio Blanco County: https://rioblancoalerts.genasys.com/portal/en
Aug 10, 2025, 7:15 PM
Update for wildfire: Elk RBX Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
The Elk fire was discovered on Saturday, August 2nd as a lightning strike on private land in the Oak Ridge area. Drought with severe and extreme weather conditions along with two days of red flag warning caused heightened fire activity. Residences were evacuated from the area. As weather conditions changed and remained favorable for the Elk Fire, crews were able to gain substantial line around the Elk Fire
For latest on evacuation notices and to sign up for reverse 911
Rio Blanco County: https://rioblancoalerts.genasys.com/portal/en
Severity: critical
Aug 6, 2025, 4:15 AM
Update for wildfire: Elk Fire
Updated information for this wildfire:
Lightning storm went through a few days prior to the start of the Elk and Lee Fires. The Elk fire was discovered on Saturday, August 2nd as a lightning strike on private land in the Oak Ridge area. Drought with severe and extreme weather conditions along with two days of red flag warning caused heightened fire activity.
Severity: critical

Size, containment, and perimeter come from the National Interagency Fire Center. Narrative comes from InciWeb. For life-threatening emergencies call 911.