Firefighters are making strides in containing the two wildfires still burning in the foothills as higher moisture levels and lower temperatures bring relief across the Front Range.
Crews are focusing on smoldering interior areas of the Alexander Mountain fire near Loveland, but the fire isn’t expected to grow, fire managers said in a Tuesday morning update. The fire didn’t show any growth overnight and remains at 9,668 acres and is 83% contained, as of Tuesday afternoon.
As evacuated residents start to return to their homes, officials urged them to be aware of the 536 firefighters and emergency personnel still in the area and to follow all forest and road closures.
While rain brings much-needed moisture to the fire footprint, an increased chance of rain could bring flash flooding and debris flows to areas that are downhill and downstream from burned areas, the U.S. Forest Service warned.
Light winds will increase across the fire area throughout the day and a light haze is expected until storms roll in. Nearby communities, including Eden Valley, along U.S. 34 to Idlewild and Drake, will see residual and overnight smoke, the forest service said.
Investigators continue to look into what caused both fires, but expect to give their final daily news conference on firefighting efforts at 4 p.m.
In Jefferson County, the Quarry fire burning was estimated at 527 acres and 45% contained as of Tuesday morning.
As of 10 a.m., all evacuated residents were allowed to return home, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said. All residents must have credentials issued at the evacuation center at Dakota Ridge High School at 13399 W. Coal Mine Ave.
Only residents with access cards will be allowed in the area for the next two days as firefighters work on final clean up, the sheriff’s office said. General access will be allowed starting Thursday.
All communities that were issued mandatory evacuation orders will be placed under pre-evacuation status, the sheriff’s office said.