As the Lee Fire continues to ravage Rio Blanco County, the Rifle Correctional Center in Garfield County has commenced an emergency evacuation of its 179 inmates. The increasing threat prompted the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) to take immediate action over the weekend, relocating individuals within the facility to “other secure facilities outside of the fire-affected area,” according to KDVR. Meanwhile, the Lee Fire has already burned through 88,755 acres, making it the sixth-largest in state history.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office announced on Saturday through Facebook the implementation of evacuation notices for Zone 70. The swift relocation effort, brought to light by CPR.org, affects the minimum-security facility that primarily houses offenders not considered a high threat and those in vocational training programs. The facility currently holds less than its 192 capacity. On Saturday, more than 1,200 people were engaged in battling both the Lee and the nearby Elk fires, with 13 aircraft assisting in containment efforts.
Significantly, due to the spread of the fire to the southeast was the announcement on Saturday by the CDOC concerning the safety measures for the inmates and staff was made. "Rifle Correctional Center staff have implemented the facility’s emergency evacuation plan, ensuring the safe transfer of residents with enhanced security and strong coordination among partner agencies," the CDOC explained, as per CBS Colorado. The report stressed that there have been no injuries reported amongst the staff and inmates during the evacuation process.
As the fire engulfed over 100,000 acres, residents in the vicinity found themselves caught in a situation demanding urgency and caution. Sharing the unfolding circumstances, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that the Lee Fire was not contained as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday. At the time of evacuation, the Rifle Correctional Center, reportedly consisting of 24 buildings for educational and work programs, was positioned perilously close to the colossal Lee Fire, underpinning a systematic and coordinated response to safeguard those affected.
