SIR JEFFERSON, Colo. – A 100-acre grass fire ignited near Lake Bear Creek Park and Fox Hollow Golf Course near Morrison evacuated Sunday afternoon. Most of the fire went out by the end of the afternoon and people evacuated hours later.
Officers issued an evacuation order to residents from Morrison Road to Hampden Avenue and C-470 to Kipling Parkway. The neighborhood east of the fire from Owens Lane to Kipling was also evacuated. An evacuation center has been established at Bear Creek High School.
Later on Sunday afternoon, evacuees were lifted and all residents were allowed to return home, but were asked to maintain pre-evacuation status until Monday morning.
Police closed both sides of Morrison Road and urged drivers to avoid the area while crews battled the so-called Morrison Road Fire.
Fire crews from West Metro and South Metro and the groups around the area responded around 1pm on Sunday. South Metro Fire had a total of 11 units. West Metro said 19 engines and 110 firefighters were fighting the blaze.
Around 4pm, West Metro Fire officers said most of the fire was out but crews were still working in drainage areas. Structure protection is in place, but structures are not currently at risk.
The fire started when wind peaks across the Front Range reached speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. A cold front is expected to push into downtown Denver around 5pm
The fire was confirmed to be a human cause, but it was not known if it was accidental or deliberate, officials said.