The Elk and Lee fires grew to a combined more-than 30,000 acres into Wednesday as dry, windy conditions continued breeze through Rio Blanco County.

The overnight increase in size of over 10,000 acres came as the Lee fire made large runs to the east and south through the end of the day Tuesday, according to a news release from the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

Several fire managers and local authorities will present an update on the fire, weather and evacuation status as well as answer questions at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Meeker High School, 550 School Street in Meeker. The meeting will be recorded and available on the office’s Facebook page.

Crews responding to the Lee fire are focusing on adding protections to the east and west sides of the blaze, as well as reducing the forward progress of the fire to the south, the office said. As for the Elk Fire, crews will continue point protection structures and securing the south end.

Colorado's Elk and Lee fires remain at 0% containment as more than 20,000 acres consumed

Both fires remain 0% contained as of Wednesday morning, the office said. More than 200 personnel are working on combating the fires, including seven aircraft.

Officials are expecting fire weather to continue Wednesday, with temperatures as high was the low-90s, low relative humidity and strong winds, according to the release. Along with the dry vegetation in the area, crews are expecting extreme fire behavior with large runs lasting into the evening.

In response to the growing fires, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced that public access to four state wildlife areas in the county will be closed until further notice:

• Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area
• Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area
• Colorow Mountain State Wildlife Area
• Piceance State Wildlife Area

Gates at the properties have been left open to help with firefighting efforts, but not for public access, CPW said in a news release.

“This time of year, we see an increase in hunters in these areas, scouting and preparing for the upcoming big game hunting season,” said Meeker Area Wildlife Manager Johnathan Lambert in the release. “For your safety and the safety of the fire crews actively working in these areas, we ask that you please stay out of these areas.”

Other national forests in the area — including the White River National Forest – Blanco Ranger District and the Bureau of Land Management – White River Field Office — have also issued public closures in the area of the fires, according to the release.

The closures and evacuations in place on Tuesday, including U.S. Highway 13 in both directions south of Meeker between Piceance Creek Road and U.S. Highway 64, remain in place Wednesday.

Additionally, the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds is providing emergency shelter for evacuated livestock, including outdoor and indoor pens, the office said on Facebook. Those interested should contact Fairground Manager Nick Smith at 970-878-9498 and bring hay or feed for poultry and water buckets.

Those looking for up-to-date information on all evacuations and road closures should go to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, or sign up for emergency alerts at this link.