In Northwest Colorado, the Lee Fire continues to escalate, now recognized as the fifth largest wildfire in the state’s recorded history.
Spanning over 120,000 acres, most of which encompass public land, the fire has prompted expanding evacuation orders.
Residents of Garfield County near Rifle received evacuation notices as the fire advanced southward.
Currently, around 1,200 firefighters are combating the flames that have become a significant concern for the region.
Management of the fire involves the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), notably in areas leased for oil and gas exploration as well as cattle grazing.
Bill Mills, field manager at the BLM’s White River Field Office located in Meeker, reported that they are working closely with various operators to coordinate their access to fire-affected areas.
“Developing a process that allows permitted activities to enter the closure area while ensuring a quick evacuation if fire activity increases has been essential,” Mills stated.
He further explained that oil and gas developers must follow specific mandates for vegetation removal and other fire mitigation efforts around well pads.
Despite the fire’s intensity, there have been no reported damages to oil and gas infrastructure so far.
The Lee Fire is not alone, as it is currently one of five active fires affecting the Western Slope.
Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency for an additional fire, known as the Crosho Fire, active in the regions of Rio Blanco and Routt counties, specifically near Yampa.
The Crosho Fire has doubled in size recently, now exceeding 1,700 acres, according to information from the Denver Post.
In Boulder, a new regulation aimed at protecting local wildlife is set to take effect.
Starting on August 15, Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks will require dogs to be leashed on certain popular trails to safeguard sensitive black bear habitats.
This seasonal leash requirement will cover trails including Gregory Canyon, Saddle Rock, Amphitheater, Bluebell-Baird, Skunk Canyon, Shadow Canyon South, and the upper Doudy Draw Trail.
While many trails allow off-leash dogs under Boulder’s Voice and Sight Tag Program, city officials are urging dog owners to keep their pets leashed wherever wildlife is present due to the increased risk of encounters, particularly as bears prepare for hibernation.
The presence of bears in urban settings can lead to serious dangers including traffic accidents or potential euthanasia as they lose their natural fear of humans.
Residents can help mitigate these risks by securing their trash and adhering to leash requirements in designated bear zones.
For more information on trail conditions and bear safety tips, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Boulder’s official website.
In sports news, the Denver Nuggets mascot is making headlines for a different reason.
Drake Solomon, who has portrayed the Nuggets mascot Rocky since 2021, has filed a lawsuit against the team’s owner claiming wrongful termination following a hip injury.
According to the Colorado Sun, Solomon’s lawsuit alleges that Kroenke Sports & Entertainment breached disability protection laws when they dismissed him after his medical leave.
Solomon underwent hip replacement surgery in 2024, and upon returning to work was met with skepticism regarding his health along with what he described as a hostile work atmosphere.
He was officially released from his position in August 2024, shortly after being informed that tryouts for the mascot role would proceed due to his “impairment.”
His attorney compared the situation to firing someone for maternity leave, emphasizing the impropriety of the actions taken against Solomon.
Despite the emotional toll, Solomon expressed that pursuing legal action was difficult due to his affection for the team, and he is seeking unspecified damages in court.
Lastly, a significant development has emerged regarding eight newspapers across Wyoming that were on the brink of closure.
After a recent announcement from their parent company indicating shuttering operations, a coalition of longtime local newspaper executives with Wyoming ties stepped in to keep the papers open.
Cali O’Hare, editor of the Pinedale Roundup, recounted a celebratory phone call with all the dismissed staff who were informed of the news that their former publisher in Torrington would partner with Jen and Robb Hicks of the Buffalo Bulletin to save their publications.
“Imagine a phone call with over thirty people who were just laid off last week, experiencing sheer excitement as solutions were discussed,” O’Hare shared.
She emphasized that all former employees would continue to receive their salaries and benefits moving forward and expressed optimism for the sustainability of their paper under Wyoming-based ownership as opposed to a distant corporation.
image source from：kgnu
