The popular William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain remained closed Tuesday as crews worked to mop up a fire that scorched 96 acres Monday night and into Tuesday.
The fire prompted scores of evacuations after sending a massive plume of smoke into the air that was visible in much of the Denver metro area.
The fire was 90 percent contained and evacuations were lifted as of Monday evening. The fire was fully contained by Tuesday afternoon.
It was a relief for Lakewood residents, like Marlene Macy and her family, living just blocks away from Green Mountain.
“It was scary, we could see the flames. The mountain was just glowing red, so much red. And you couldn’t even see next door because there was so much smoke,” Macy said.
Tuesday night, Macy and her two twin sons packed up their car with their belongings in case a mandatory evacuation was issued.
“We were ready to go, but thankfully we didn’t need to. I am just thankful we are alive, and that we were warned,” Macy said.
Macy is also thankful for the efficient work of the more than 150 firefighters and first responders who spent hours battling the fire through difficult conditions.
Monday night, crews had to fight through the cold temperatures, high shifting winds and steep terrain on the mountain.
Conditions that West Metro fire Chief Steve Aseltine said their crews are trained and prepared for.
“We have to respond whatever that environment- or situation is at any given time,” Aseltine said. “For people watching it burn from Denver, while it may have looked really sporadic-- or different than you might think-- that's pretty common for terrain with deep gullies and different terrain."
West Metro Fire says 160 firefighters and 52 engines, brush trucks, tenders and medic units from a dozen agencies helped battle the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. West Metro Fire says smaller fires have been reported on Green Mountain over the past month, but haven't said if they're related to Monday's blaze.
