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Calwood Fire in Boulder County is 9,106 acres but drier conditions expected Monday

Posted at 10:30 AM, Oct 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-20 08:21:06-04

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Crews are continuing to work to contain the Calwood and Lefthand Canyon fires in Boulder County, which have impacted thousands of residents.

The Calwood Fire was at 9,106 acres Monday evening and 17% contained.

The Lefthand Canyon Fire is 386 acres — up from 312 reported Sunday night — and 4% contained, crews said.

There were no new evacuations or threats to homes Monday morning, but the fires ravaged the northeast area of the county over the weekend.

The Calwood Fire forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, and at least 26 structures — all homes — were lost in the fire, as of Sunday night.

After a humid day Sunday, crews were expecting an uptick in fire activity Monday afternoon, when conditions are expected to dry out.

On Monday night, the Boulder County Office of Emergency Management said Gold Hill and Jamestown Elementary schools would be closed all of this week due to the two fires. The OEM said those impacted who haven't heard about the closures should contact Gold Hill and Jamestown Elementary Principal Scott Boesel at scott.boesel@bvsd.org.

Go here for full information about evacuations, road closures and damaged structures, via the Boulder County Office of Emergency Management.

Here's a map of the two fires and evacuated areas:

The Boulder County fires prompted authorities to send out pre-evacuation notices to thousands of residents nearby, including people in the town of Lyons. In the Calwood Fire, there are 1,600 homes and 2,600 structures total in the evacuation area, and around 3,000 people impacted.

Boulder County Sheriff Division Chief Mark Wagner said a massive air attack Saturday helped contain the Calwood Fire. However, unfavorable weather conditions Sunday grounded aircraft. At least 250 firefighters are on the ground fighting the blaze.

The Calwood Fire has become Boulder County's largest wildfire on record.

County and Forest Service investigators are investigating the cause of the Calwood Fire. Wagner said there was no lightning strike data in the area which could rule out a natural cause for the fire.

Denver7 Gives has started a new fundraising campaign for victims of Colorado's wildfires. To donate, go here and then look for "Help Colorado Wildfire Victims" in the dropdown. We are working with our community partners up and down the Front Range to ensure every dollar raised stays in Colorado and helps families who've lost so much.