EVERGREEN, Colo.—The incident commander for a fire that prompted evacuations in the foothills near Evergreen says the blaze isn’t controlled yet but is fully contained.
Incident Commander Bill Easterling says the goal is to be able to let all evacuees return home starting Tuesday night.
The fire, estimated at 15 to 20 acres, ignited Monday about 30 miles west of Denver. It prompted evacuations after the wind carried sparks a half mile away from the main blaze. Its cause hasn’t been determined. No structures have been lost. Utility crews are working to restore power to about 360 homes.
Meanwhile in southwest Colorado, a 75-acre fire is burning near Creede. It was 50 percent contained as of Monday. Fire officials say that blaze threatened three homes.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
Firefighters took advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity Tuesday to try to contain a smoldering 15-acre wildfire west of Denver that forced residents to evacuate about 100 homes.
The cause of the fire, which erupted Monday just west of the commuter suburb of Evergreen, was unknown. About 100 firefighters were digging containment lines in rugged terrain of pine trees and heavy brush. No structures had been destroyed by Tuesday afternoon.
Temperatures dropped into the 60s Tuesday with 60 percent humidity, helping firefighters who aimed to dig a 200-foot-wide containment line around the fire. Officials also were watching incoming weather that could bring winds and lightning late Tuesday.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office advised residents that they may see dense smoke in the area for days because of heavy fuels, even with increased containment and control.
The National Weather Service issued a warning Tuesday of high fire danger for southwestern Colorado, where about 70 firefighters battled a 75-acre fire near Creede that was 50 percent contained. Its cause was under investigation.
Rio Grand National Forest spokesman Mike Blakeman said firefighters also were sent to the Weminuche Wilderness Area in southwest Colorado to put out a small fire that broke out Monday afternoon.
A hotshot team, two air tankers and two helicopters have been moved to the Durango Air Tanker Base to help fight any fires.
