The Lee and Elk fires in Rio Blanco County remained at zero percent containment Tuesday as they took over a combined 20,000 acres.

Deputies have closed U.S. Highway 13 in both directions south of Meeker between Piceance Creek Road and U.S. Highway 64 due to the Lee fire, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook Tuesday afternoon.

Additionally, deputies are organizing four evacuations on both sides of Hwy 13 between mile markers 27 and 38, north of Rifle, due to the Lee fire, a spokesperson withe the office confirmed. There are currently no additional evacuations due to the Elk fire.

Hot, windy weather and dry vegetation were both to blame for spreading the fire to the north, east and south throughout the day Monday, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook. The same conditions were expected on Tuesday as crews used additional resources to relieve initial attack crews.

The original cause of the fires was lightning, the office said. Nearly 300 total personnel have been utilized in managing the blaze.

The county is under a red flag warning through 8 p.m. Tuesday night, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low-90s, the office said. Southwest winds will average 18 mph with gusts of up to 25 mph throughout the evening.

Those looking for up-to-date information on all evacuations and road closures should go to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, or sign up for emergency alerts at this link.