The containment the Lee fire burning near Meeker dropped Monday as strong winds pushed the flames to consume thousands more acres, according to fire officials.

A Colorado prison was evacuated as one of the largest wildfires in state history continued to grow, with officials warning residents of remote areas to be ready to leave as gusty winds and low humidity feed the flames.

The Lee fire, burning in Rio Blanco County southwest of Meeker, has eclipsed the 2018 Spring Creek blaze as the fifth-largest wildfire in Colorado history.