Fighting continues with the largest wildfires in Colorado

• Evacuation is underway in Colorado due to a forest fire.
• The Lee Fire has engulfed over 167 square miles.
• Thousands of firefighters are battling the blaze.

In Colorado, evacuation is taking place in connection with one of the largest wildfires in the state's history. The fire known as Lee Fire has consumed over 167 square miles (433 square kilometers) in the areas of Garfield and Rio-Blanco, and currently, it is only 6% contained. Official sources have indicated that residents in the affected districts are being prepared for evacuation due to strong winds and low humidity, which contribute to the spread of the fire.

179 evacuees were safely evacuated from the Rifle Correctional Center on Saturday. They were temporarily relocated approximately 150 miles (240 km) to the Buena Vista correctional complex, according to a statement from the Department of Corrections in Colorado.

The Lee Fire is raging about 250 miles (400 km) west of Denver and is the sixth largest wildfire in the state's history. Thousands of firefighters are working to contain the blaze and keep it from spreading west of Colorado Highway 13 and north of surrounding Highway 5.

The health of the population is also at risk, as warnings have been issued regarding air quality due to smoke from the Lee Fire and the 23-square-mile (60-km) Elk fire, which is burning to the east. In Southern California, efforts continue to contain the Canyon Fire, which is already 62% contained and has forced evacuations, destroying seven buildings.

The Gifford Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year, has burned no less than 180 square miles (466 square kilometers) in the Santa-Barbara and San-Luis-Obispo areas since it started on September 1, and it is currently 21% contained.

Tags: USA/Weather