The Elk and Lee fires in Rio Blanco County remain zero percent contained after rapidly spreading overnight, according to a news release from the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.

The Elk Fire, east of Meeker, has grown over 11,000 acres since Monday morning, reaching about 13,025 acres, according to the Tuesday morning statement.

The Lee Fire, west of Meeker, has combined with the Grease Fire and has reached approximately 7,750 acres.

Over 290 personnel, including six hand crews, 30 fire engines and a dozer are battling the spread, according to the release. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three is also assisting in containing both fires.

“Weather conditions and dry vegetation will once again challenge firefighters today,” states the release from the sheriff’s office. “Additional resources are mobilizing to both fires to relieve initial attack crews and will build off of their great work from the previous days.”

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of western Colorado, including Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties. The warning will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has also issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for wildfire smoke from 9 a.m. Tuesday until 9 a.m. Wednesday.

While crews are using fire retardant to slow the spread of fires from aircraft, firefighters are doing the heavy lifting from the ground, said Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Public Information Officer Cece Lepa.

“The important thing to know is when the wind is high and there’s not enough boots on the ground, the retardant and the water aren’t as effective,” said Lepa. “We have had tankers flying, and we have some ordered to come in, but if it looks like there’s high fire activity, we need more people on the ground in order to properly track the plane and let the retardant land where it needs to go.”

Lepa noted that crews are still tracking down a nearby, reliable water source due to surrounding private property.

“Air operations are always looking for closer water sources for quicker turnaround time for aircraft to deliver water at critical areas,” added Lepa.

Officials said residents of Meeker were not under a pre-evacuation or evacuation order as of Tuesday morning, but should remain prepared. For updated evacuation information, visit the Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Structure protection crews will continue to assess structures in the Colorado Highway 64 corridor and Big Beaver drainage as they initiate protection plans.

Aircraft will fly over the fires to gain the scope of the perimeter and support firefighters, but may be limited due to smoke and wind conditions, states the release.

This story is from SteamboatPilot.com.