Gov. Polis declares a statewide disaster emergency due to critical fire weather conditions and fires burning across Western Slope

The image depicts a large, dark smoke cloud from the Lee fire billowing upwards. The smoke is rising above a field.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
A column of smoke and flames inside the evacuation zone of the Lee Fire along Highway 13 between Meeker and Rifle, Aug. 12, 2025.