JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A 100-acre grass fire burning near Bear Creek Lake Park and Fox Hollow Golf Course near Morrison prompted evacuations Sunday afternoon. The majority of the fire was out by late afternoon and evacuations lifted hours later.
The fire, which grew to 446 acres by 9 p.m. Sunday, is 100% contained, West Metro Fire said.
Officials issued an evacuation order for residents from Morrison Road to Hampden Avenue and C-470 to Kipling Parkway Sunday afternoon. The neighborhood east of the fire from Owens Lane to Kipling was also evacuated. An evacuation center was set up at Bear Creek High School.
Later Sunday evening, evacuations were lifted and all residents were allowed to return home, but the Lakewood Police Department were asked to maintain pre-evacuation status until Monday at 7 a.m. Morrison Road reopened between C-470 and Bear Creek around 9 p.m.
Police closed both directions of Morrison Road and urged motorists to avoid the area as crews continued to fight the fire, which was named the Morrison Road Fire.
Fire crews from West Metro and South Metro and surrounding agencies responded to the area around 1 p.m. Sunday. South Metro Fire had a total of 11 units on scene. West Metro said 19 engines and 110 firefighters were fighting the blaze.
Around 4 p.m., West Metro Fire officials said the majority of the fire was out but crews were still working hotspots in drainages. There is structure protection in place, however no structures are currently threatened.
The fire broke out as wind gusts across the Front Range have reached speeds of up to 55 mph. A cold front is expected to push into downtown Denver around 5 p.m.
The fire was determined to be human-caused, but it’s not known if it was accidental or intentional, officials said. Anybody with information can call West Metro at 303-539-9531.
