Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed its Meeker area office due to the growing Lee and Elk fires in Rio Blanco County.

“Our priority right now is the safety of our staff and making sure we are available to help the Meeker community,” said Area Wildlife Manager Johnathan Lambert said in a Thursday evening news statement.

“Meeker is not just where we work; it’s also our home. We have staff who are currently evacuating their homes due to the Lee Fire. With the active and unpredictable behavior of the fire, we believe our resources are best utilized by assisting our community; that is why we decided to close the Meeker Office,” added Lambert.

CPW said anyone interested in purchasing leftover hunting licenses, fishing licenses or any other daily access pass or hunting licenses can do so through the Shop CPW website or at a local CPW area office or state park.

The agency also said those who require in-person assistance can visit Yampa River State park, the Steamboat Springs Area Office, Glenwood Springs Area Office or Rifle Gap State Park.

CPW is also reminding the public of the closures of four State Wildlife Areas due to the Lee and Elk fires: Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area, Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area, Colorow Mountain State Wildlife Area and Piceance State Wildlife Area.

For additional information on nearby State Wildlife Areas or those throughout Colorado, please visit the Colorado Hunting Atlas online or contact your local CPW office.