Boulder Fourmile Canyon fire update: Returned residents ordered out can come back again

The Fourmile Canyon fire near Boulder has been unpredictable. Note that only hours after authorities allowed some evacuated residents back into their homes yesterday, they were ordered out again due to high-wind concerns. Understandably, some never left -- but now they, and their neighbors, have been given the blessing to...

By Michael Roberts

September 10, 2010

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The Fourmile Canyon fire near Boulder has been unpredictable. Note that only hours after authorities allowed some evacuated residents back into their homes yesterday, they were ordered out again due to high-wind concerns. Understandably, some never left -- but now they, and their neighbors, have been given the blessing to stay by Boulder County officials.

Still, government types warn that residents could be told to vacate again, depending on conditions. Details below:

Evacuation areas reopened as of 9 a.m. Friday

Boulder County, Colo. -- Earlier today, Boulder County officials announced the reopening of the following subdivisions and streets that were previously closed due to the Fourmile Canyon wildfire:

• Boulder Heights

• Pine Brook Hills

• Carriage Hills

• Olde Stage Road

• Lee Hill Drive

• Sunshine Canyon and Fourmile Canyon drives to Poorman Road (including Poorman Road)

• Gold Hill Road to Switzerland Trail (Switzerland Trail remains closed)

• Sugarloaf Road with limited access to the north (Mountain Meadows is open)

• Lefthand Canyon Drive with restricted access from the south.

Boulder County officials are requesting that residents do not park on the roadway and to drive carefully as fire apparatus are traveling to and from the active fire area.

PLEASE NOTE: Residents must stay on alert and be ready to re-evacuate immediately if conditions change. Residents of the area are asked to bring personal identification. Power will remain off in these areas.

The remaining evacuated areas remain highly volatile and therefore residents cannot return to their homes. Stay tuned to www.boulderoem.com and local media outlets for updated evacuation information.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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