A grass fire broke out near Lakewood around 2 p.m. on Sunday, forcing afternoon road closures and evacuations in the area for several hours.
West Metro Fire said on Twitter after 7 p.m. Sunday that the evacuation order was lifted, but residents would be under pre-evacuation order until 7 .m. Monday.
The fire was 100% contained, but crews planned to patrol overnight for possible hot spots, West Metro Fire tweeted.
The majority of the fire was extinguished by 4 p.m., according to West Metro Fire, and no structures were threatened.
The fire burned off Morrison Road near Fox Hollow Golf Course and Bear Creek Lake Park. Large plumes of smoke were visible across the metro area. Morrison Road was closed in both directions as West Metro and South Metro fire crews worked on the blaze.
Around 3:30 p.m., West Metro Fire estimated the blaze to be about 100 acres, and said it was threatening the Fox Hollow and Homestead neighborhoods. About 110 firefighters and 19 engines were working to contain the fire.
Officials issued an evacuation order for residents from Morrison Road to Hampden Avenue and C-470 to Kipling Parkway. The neighborhood from Owens Lane to Kipling was also evacuated as the fire grew.
The fire was fueled by winds and driven mostly east. An evacuation center was set up at Bear Creek High School.
The neighborhood east of the fire from Owens Lane to Kipling is now being evacuated. Evacuation center is Bear Creek High School. Several agencies are assisting. Fire continues to be driven by the wind mostly toward the east.
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire)
Officials warned residents and drivers to stay clear of the area.
The fire was determined to be human caused, though it wasn’t clear if it was accidental, West Metro Fire said on Twitter on Sunday evening. Anyone with information about the fire can contact West Metro at 303-539-9531, it said in a tweet.
