Rio Blanco County
In August 2025, Rio Blanco experienced two large wildfires. The two fires were the Elk Fire and the Lee Fire. This page consolidates information and updates.
- August 2025 Elk and Lee Fires
Timeline
- August 2: Elk Fire Start Date
- August 2: Lee Fire Start Date
- August 3: Governor Polis issued a verbal disaster declaration due to the Elk Fire in Rio Blanco county. Updated August 6 to include the both the Elk Fire and the Lee Fire.
- August 20: Acting FEMA Administrator visits Meeker for a briefing on the impacts of the Elk and Lee fires.
- September 16: Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments conducted in Rio Blanco County.
- September 26: Governor Polis requests a major disaster declaration and approval of the FEMA Public Assistance program.
- Recovery Resources
Business and Agricultural Impact Surveys
Rio Blanco Information Webpage
Recovery Manager RFP
Post Wildfire Recovery Resources
USGS Real Time Camera
USGS Post Fire Debris Flow Hazard Assessment Viewer
- Status of State and Federal Assistance
- September 16: Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments Conducted with representatives from county, utility companies, DHSEM and FEMA to verify damages for potential Public Assistance program request.
- September 26: Governor Polis requests a major disaster declaration and approval of the FEMA Public Assistance program.
- As of November 1 the State of Colorado has not received a decision from the federal government on the disaster declaration request.
Photos from Damage Assessments
