Gov. Jared Polis mobilized the National Guard Wednesday night as two wildfires in Rio Blanco County continued to grow in size.

The National Guard will be used to support emergency response to the Lee fire, southwest of Meeker, and the Elk fire, southeast of Meeker, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

Both fires remain at zero percent containment, Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office officials said Thursday.

The Lee fire grew to about 45,000 acres Wednesday night, nearly double in size from the recorded acreage the day before, officials said.

Elk and Lee fires grow to over 30,000 acres, containment remains null

The northeast end of the fire made a significant run Wednesday, putting Meeker on pre-evacuation status as the blaze continued to move in the direction of the town, officials said. 

Crews were working to secure both the northeastern and southern ends of the fire Thursday morning while fire weather is more compliant, officials said. Crews expect fire danger to increase again Thursday afternoon with Red Flag warnings and high winds in effect.

Winds will continue to blow in a northeast direction Thursday, according to weather.com, further driving the blaze in the direction of Meeker.

The fire also jumped across Highway 13 on Wednesday, leading to areas around Meeker being evacuated, the news release said.

The office will have a more accurate Lee fire acreage number later Thursday morning after receiving the results of airborne mapping data collected in the morning, they said.

The Elk fire also grew in size Wednesday, gaining over 6,000 acres to 14,518 total, officials said.

As was the case Wednesday, Highway 13 remains closed in both directions south of Meeker. 

Colorado’s Elk and Lee fires remain at 0% containment as more than 20,000 acres consumed

The two fires have prompted evacuation orders in 11 zones around Meeker, including one — Zone 10 — directly southwest of the town, according to an online map.

The Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds is providing emergency shelter for evacuated livestock, including outdoor and indoor pens, officials said on Facebook Wednesday. Those who need to should contact Fairground Manager Nick Smith at (970) 878-9498 and bring hay or feed for poultry and water buckets.

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.