Boulder County officials have announced the the Fourmile Canyon fire is 100 percent contained. There are still some dangers in the burn area but most if not all residents should be allowed to return to their homes by Wednesday.
With 6,181 acres burned in the fire and $8.3 million to fight, officials are now investigating the cause of the fire. Boulder County sheriff’s Cmdr. Rick Brough confirmed to the Denver post that the believe the fire started in the fire pit at a home belonging to a firefighter on the 7100 block of Fourmile Canyon. It appears that the pit was used a few days before the fire but wasn’t put out fully when it was no longer being used. The windy conditions on Labor Day apparently blew some of the lit embers in the fire pit to nearby grasses which started the fire.
The owner of the home has not been charged but is cooperating with officials.
In related news, Boulder County has opened a donation drop-off site at 3111 28th St. so that community members can drop off donation items for victims of the Fourmile Canyon wildfire. The drop-off site will continue to be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice.
The following items will be accepted:
• Gently used children’s clothes
• Size large adult clothing
• Unused personal hygiene items
• Adult and baby diapers
• School supplies
Please only bring items listed. Home-canned or packed foods, perishable items, bottled water, heavily used or dirty clothes will NOT be accepted.
Adventist Community Services is managing the donation site.
People with questions about donations or volunteer opportunities are asked to dial 211 or call 866-760-6489.
People should not drop off donations at local fire facilities.%uFFFD
The largest fire in Boulder County history that began Monday morning, September 6
has burned around 6,181 acres and destroyed about 169 structures.
The fire department website includes a great deal of information about wildfires, including specific tips on preparing for possible evacuations. This site can be accessed here.
The city also encourages all residents to monitor local news reports and check for up-to-date official information at http://www.boulderoem.com. If you have not already done so, sign up for emergency text alerts at http://www.boco911alert.com.
Here’s an updated map of the burn and evacuation area:
Here’s a partial list and map of the homes destroyed in the fire:
View Fourmile Canyon Fire – Homes Destroyed – 10 p.m. 9/7/10 in a larger map
Check out amateur video of a helicopter tanker refilling at Wonderland Lake in North Boulder to fight the fire.
