BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — More evacuations have lifted for the Stone Canyon Fire, which has burned 1,553 acres and is 53% contained as of Friday, according to the Boulder Office of Disaster Management.
The wildfire, which started Tuesday afternoon, is moving slowly toward the northeast.
On Wednesday, human remains were found inside one of the five homes destroyed in the wildfire that sparked Tuesday afternoon north of Lyons, according to the Boulder County Sheriff. No information about the person who died was provided, and Sheriff Curtis Johnson said he wasn't aware of any other missing person reports. Officials are actively investigating this death.
Any further damage caused by the fire will be assessed when crews are able to access those areas. Boulder County Sheriff's Office notified property owners who lost a home in Boulder County during the Stone Canyon Fire. The sheriff's office is not releasing the addresses of those properties at this time, and damage assessment crews are continuing to assess the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the sheriff's office has set up a tip line for anyone who may have information. That number is (303) 441-3674.
Certified Fire Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were sent to the Stone Canyon Fire to assist the Boulder County Sheriff's Office in their investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, a bureau spokesperson told 9NEWS Thursday evening.
Evacuations
A partial all clear was issued Thursday afternoon to parts of the evacuation areas for the Stone Canyon Fire, including Steamboat Valley and Stone Canyon neighborhoods, according to the Boulder Office of Disaster Management. On Friday afternoon additional evacuations were lifted including everything north of Eagle Ridge Road and Stone Canyon Drive.
Check the information map at BoulderODM.gov for the latest information.
Starting Saturday, large dumpsters will also be provided in each neighborhood for homeowners to dispose of any spoiled food, the office said. People are asked not to put food waste on the sidewalk and to wait for the dumpsters to arrive to dispose of any perishables.
The evacuation for the northern and western portions of the Town of Lyons was lifted on Wednesday morning. To search for specific locations, visit boco.org/InfoMap and enter an address in the "Find address" bar.
The Boulder Office of Disaster Management said Xcel Energy will be in the Stone Canyon Neighborhood starting at 8 a.m. Friday to help with relighting gas pilots, but someone must be home for the ignition to take place.
An overnight shelter is available for anyone impacted by the fire at the Foundation Church, 1380 N. Denver Ave. in Loveland.
Animals of all sizes can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden.
Road reopenings
In a Thursday afternoon update, the Boulder Office of Disaster Management said the following roads are back open:
- Stone Canyon Drive is open to Eagle Ridge Road to residents.
- Nolan Road is open to Eagle Ridge Road to residents.
- Blue Mountain Road is open between Highway 36 to Larimer County at County Road 37E and Lone Star Road.
There will be checkpoints to show proof of residency at stone Canyon and Nolan Road, per the update.
Firefighting efforts
The Boulder Office of Disaster Management said in a 1:47 p.m. Wednesday update that more than 120 firefighters are on the ground fighting the flames. 37 firetrucks are also on scene and aircraft will continue to support firefighting efforts throughout the afternoon, per the update.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis activated the Colorado National Guard to assist with firefighting efforts for the first time since the Marshall Fire, as stated in news conference Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting efforts for the Stone Canyon and the Alexander Mountain fires.
At the time of the FEMA assistance request, four firefighters had been injured in the Stone Canyon Fire, and the flames were threatening more than 480 homes and other structures, according to a release by the administration.
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office said two firefighters had illnesses related to fire conditions. It's unclear how the other two firefighters were injured.
Sheriff Johnson said Boulder County is sharing resources with Larimer County as crews there battle the Alexander Mountain Fire.
Information and alerts
To receive alerts and evacuation information pertaining to Larimer County, text LCEVAC to 888777 or visit nocoalert.org. For Boulder County alerts, text BOCOINFO to 888777 or BOCOALERT to 888777 or visit boulderodm.gov.
Residents who are impacted by the Stone Canyon Fire can call 303-413-7730 to reach a call center for non-emergency questions and inquiries. The call center is open until 6 p.m. Wednesday. For active emergencies, community members are asked to call 911.
Stone Canyon Fire
