The Bighorn Fire near Horsetooth Reservoir is close to containment and in the mop up stage, according to Kathy Messick, a spokeswoman for the Larimer County Sheriff”s Office.
Residents of of the area who were evacuated after the a fire started early this morning returned to their homes around 9 a.m., according to the Poudre Fire Authority.
The blaze, which was reported after 4:30 a.m., spread to about eight, said Poudre Fire spokesman Patrick Love.
The fire, close to residences near Big Horn Crossing Road, prompted a reverse 911 call in which residents were told to evacuate. About 30 households received the call.
“It now has died down somewhat and we are getting a good handle on this fire. At one point the fire was heading directly for some residents but now they are not threatened,” he said at about 9 a.m.
Firefighters had difficulty in the fire’s early hours.
Crews were facing rocky and steep terrain and shifting winds with up to 20 to 30 mile-per-hour gusts, Love said.
The origin of the fire is still not known.
Tom McGhee: (303)954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
