Two uncontained wildfires have charred thousands of acres and reached within a mile of the Western Slope town of Meeker, forcing evacuations as the flames jump highways and the threaten to cross

The Lee fire is now the largest burning in the state, after it more than doubled overnight Wednesday from 22,000 to 45,000 acres. Gov. Polis has declared a state of emergency. Multiple agencies are fighting the fire, with nearly 500 firefighters, 14 aircraft and 15 fire engines.

The Lee Fire burning in Rio Blanco County has grown to an estimated 45,000 acres as containment remains challenging due to hot, dry conditions.