All mandatory evacuations linked to the Dome wildfire that scorched 152 acres west of Boulder were lifted at 10 a.m. and people were allowed to return to their homes, authorities say.
However, Open Space and Mountain Parks trails in the evacuation zone will remain closed, and firefighters asked people to stay off the trails and out of the area for recreational purposes.
More than 1,600 homes were evacuated after the Dome wildfire erupted near Dome Rock on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks property Friday.
The fire, which has not burned any structures, is 70 percent contained, said Sarah Huntley, Boulder spokeswoman. No firefighters or residents have been injured in the fire, she said.
Air tankers continued to make drops over the northeast area of the fire, a very steep section that is difficult to traverse, said Rick Brough, commander of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire did not grow overnight but more accurate estimates of its size resulted in the higher acreage estimate, Brough said.
About 200 firefighters continued to fight the blaze Saturday. There was some concern that a front could bring high winds later tonight, which could spread the wildfire, Brough said.
Investigators have not determined what exactly ignited the wildfire but they believe it was human-caused, he said.
City residents in west Boulder neighborhoods can anticipate fire equipment in the area throughout the day. Residents may notice firefighting teams from other jurisdictions assisting with this effort.
All residents and business owners west of 7th Street from Canyon Boulevard on the south to North Street on the north were welcome to return to their properties starting at 10 a.m.
“On behalf of the city and emergency responders, we would like to thank the community for its cooperation and continued versatility during this event,” said City Manager Jane S. Brautigan. “We appreciate the diligent and exhaustive efforts of all of the responding firefighters.”
The North Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 Broadway, has resumed normal operations and class schedule today. Adult classes were cancelled on Friday due to health concerns related to the smoke.
The Red Cross will close its shelter at the East Boulder Recreation Center between 11 a.m. and noon today. Twenty-two people stayed in the shelter last night, mostly seniors and people with special needs. The Red Cross will drive some residents home in ADA compliant buses and vans.
Boulder Sheriff Joe Pelle said officials will decide next week whether to reinstate fire restrictions, which were lifted last week. The decision will be based on long-term projections, he said.
The city encourages residents to remain alert and monitor local news and Emergency Operations Center updates for any changing information. For the most up-to-date information from emergency officials, visit .
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com
