What did the volunteer firefighters do to save the Kelley's ranch?

The volunteer firefighters from Meeker Volunteer Fire & Rescue worked tirelessly to save the Kelley's home and the historic Cassidy Homestead, fighting the Lee fire as if the property was their own.

How are the wildfires in Meeker, Colorado affecting the local hunting industry?

The wildfires have destroyed critical habitat, including the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area, which is a major concern for outfitters and hunters in the region. Some hunters have already canceled their reservations, and there are fears that the devastation could put some outfitters out of business permanently.

What is the current status of the wildfires in Meeker, Colorado?

As of August 8, 2025, the town of Meeker remains under pre-evacuation orders, with the Elk fire and the Lee fire threatening the town and its critical power infrastructure. The governor has mobilized the National Guard to assist the nearly 500 firefighters battling the two wildfires.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Volunteer Firefighters Heroically Defend Couple's Ranch from Raging Lee Fire

Volunteer Firefighters Heroically Defend Couple's Ranch from Raging Lee Fire

7 Aug

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Summary

Volunteer firefighters save couple's home and historic homestead from Lee fire
Wildfires threaten Meeker, a town of 2,400, and critical power infrastructure
Hunting industry in Rio Blanco County faces major setbacks due to habitat loss

Volunteer Firefighters Heroically Defend Couple's Ranch from Raging Lee Fire

As of August 8, 2025, two uncontained wildfires, the Elk fire and the Lee fire, are threatening the town of Meeker, Colorado. The Lee fire, which has quickly grown to over 45,000 acres, has become the more dangerous of the two, pushing towards the town and critical power infrastructure.

In a remarkable act of bravery, a team of local volunteer firefighters from Meeker Volunteer Fire & Rescue recently drove up to the ranch of Reed and Kathleen Kelley, which was in the path of the Lee fire. The crew worked tirelessly to save the couple's home and the historic Cassidy Homestead, built in 1918, despite the Kelleys' initial hesitation to evacuate. The firefighters, including the chief's wife and son, fought the blaze as if the property was their own, ultimately ensuring the survival of the home and homestead.

The wildfires have also taken a significant toll on the region's hunting industry, a major source of revenue for businesses in Rio Blanco County. The loss of critical habitat, including the burned-up Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area, has left outfitters and hunters deeply concerned about the upcoming hunting season. Some hunters have already canceled their reservations, and there are fears that the devastation could put some outfitters out of business permanently.

As Meeker remains under pre-evacuation orders, the town's residents are bracing for the worst, with an "eerie pall" hanging over the community. The governor has mobilized the National Guard to assist the nearly 500 firefighters battling the two wildfires, but the situation remains dire, with the potential for the Elk and Lee fires to merge, putting the town and its power infrastructure at severe risk.

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