As wildfires threaten Meeker, communities across Northwest Colorado are coming together to support displaced residents from Meeker and Rio Blanco County with shelter, supplies, and compassion.
Shelters and Emergency Services
The American Red Cross has opened two main shelters for those affected by the Elk and Lee Fires:
-
Moffat County High School, 900 Finley Lane, Craig
-
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 125 Eagle Crest Drive, Rangely
Both offer free shelter, food, water, and comfort to anyone in need, regardless of background. The high school also provides showers and private spaces, though staff are preparing to balance shelter needs with the upcoming school year.
As of Thursday afternoon, five evacuees were staying at the Craig shelter, according to John Seward, Red Cross public information officer.
Additional short-term housing includes:
-
Craig CNCC Campus – Trailers, tents, RVs; bathroom access
-
Rangely CNCC Campus – Trailers, tents, RVs; bathrooms and $3 meals
-
Rangely Campgrounds – Electric hookups available at Elk Park, Rangely Campground, and Cedar Ridges Golf Course; showers at Rangely Recreation Center
-
Sassquatch Party Rentals, Craig – Camping space, restrooms, meals, and family activities (970-896-9399)
-
Valley Community Center, Baggs – Camper parking, showers, bathrooms, kitchen; supplies from CARES (Natalie Danford, 307-462-9360)
-
Private Homes – Cindy Patten in Maybell offers lodging for nine and pet-friendly RV parking ([email protected]); Kyann Kainz-Parker near Craig offers space for multiple families, campers, and livestock pens (970-756-0288)
Animal Care Support
Local residents are stepping up to house pets and livestock:
-
Kyann Kainz-Parker – Pens for various animals; space for families, campers, and tents
-
Gary Cole – 30 acres for large animals; feed required; stock trailers available (970-620-2724)
-
Cheyan Hill & Northwest Colorado Parrots – Emergency housing for parrots, plus connections for other pets and reptiles (970-756-3737)
Emotional and Childcare Assistance
Crisis Chaplain Carla Anderson offers emotional support for fire survivors, drawing from her own experience with loss. She urges people to seek help early to avoid long-term trauma ([email protected]).
The Yampa Valley Kids Childcare Center is providing limited emergency childcare for displaced families ([email protected]).
Donations and Fundraisers
The Warehouse Food Hall in Craig is collecting nonperishable food, baby items, bedding, and monetary donations. A community fundraiser will take place there Saturday evening, with drop-off hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the weekend.
Officials encourage monetary donations through the United Way of Moffat County for the fastest and most effective relief distribution.
The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office emphasized solidarity in a statement:
“We are not just neighboring counties — we are part of a larger rural family that pulls together in times of need. You are not alone.”
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply