Some Evacuated Boulder Residents Allowed to Return Home

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As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Jim Thomas's Great Basin Type I Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Four Mile Canyon Fire that has now blackened 6,422 acres. According to InciWeb, gusty winds of more than 30 mph caused firefighters to work hard last night extinguishing flare ups near homes in the Sunshine Canyon area. No homes were damaged or fire lines breached on the fire that is burning five miles west of Boulder, Colorado.

Officials say the fire is now 30 percent contained and estimate it will be fully contained by September 13th.

So far, it has cost $4 million to fight this fire that has destroyed more homes than any other fire in the state's history. A total of 172 structures have been lost or damaged, 169 of those are residences. According to the Boulder Office of Emergency Management (OEM) three firefighters sustained minor injuries but returned to the fire lines.

Many firefighters fighting the blaze have also lost their homes. The mGive Foundation has launched a mobile donation campaign to raise funds. With this initiative, 100 percent of money received through the texts will benefit firefighters. Anyone wishing to help can text the word FIRE to 27222 and $10 will be donate to the Boulder County Firefighters Association.

Currently there are 953 personnel on scene from local, state and national agencies along with 134 engines and 37 water tenders. Dozens of aircraft, including air tankers and helitankers have dropped more than 156,000 gallons of fire retardant on the blaze.

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office began allowing many residents access to some homes this morning, but residents may not stay as there is no electricity or water available in many areas.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and crews expect more gusty winds are expected this afternoon. 


Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News