Boulder Fourmile Canyon fire update: Residents allowed back to homes ordered out again

When Boulder officials said people allowed back into their homes on the eastern edge of the Fourmile Canyon fire evacuation area should be prepared to leave again if conditions shift weren't kidding. Residents of several subdivisions, who were granted access to their homes at 10 a.m. today, are already being...

By Michael Roberts

September 9, 2010

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When Boulder officials said people allowed back into their homes on the eastern edge of the Fourmile Canyon fire evacuation area should be prepared to leave again if conditions shift weren't kidding. Residents of several subdivisions, who were granted access to their homes at 10 a.m. today, are already being ordered out again, due to concerns about the weather.

For specifics about the change in plans, check out the Boulder County release below:

Updated Fourmile Canyon wildfire information

Boulder County, Colo. -- Because of worsening weather predictions that have increased the potential for high winds and more active fire behavior this afternoon, Boulder County officials are rescinding the prior decision to open certain neighborhoods in the evacuation area.

At 10 a.m. today, certain communities within the evacuation area were opened to allow residents to gather what they need from their homes and be prepared to evacuate again. Those areas will now be closed as of 12:30 p.m., and all residents who entered those areas are asked to leave under a mandatory evacuation order as of 2 p.m. today.

The areas include:

• Boulder Heights

• Pine Brook Hills

• Carriage Hills

• Olde Stage Road

• Lee Hill Drive

PLEASE NOTE: Utilities such as electricity, gas and phones remain off in most of these areas. Since phones are out, residents should not rely on reverse citizen notification to inform them about new evacuations. Sheriff's deputies will be patrolling the neighborhoods to let people know they need to evacuate again by 2 p.m.

Additionally, the openings of Lefthand Canyon Drive, Sunshine Canyon Drive, Fourmile Canyon Drive and Sugarloaf Road that were tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. today have been canceled. Residents should not attempt to return to their homes if they live along any of those roads.

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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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