After a day of significant progress on the Lightner Creek Fire, residents who were evacuated began to return to their home in stages Saturday night.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, residents on County Road 207 north of the intersection of county roads 207 and 208 were allowed to return home.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, all remaining evacuated residents will be allowed to return home. This includes residents of county roads 207 and 208 north of U.S. Highway 160.
All pre-evacuation notices have been lifted. This includes:
Highway 160, one mile west of County Road 207County Road 206, including Dakota and Westwood apartmentsRockridge subdivisionRafter J subdivision and surrounding areasBecause county roads 207 and 208 remain closed for fire fighting operations, residents will need a Rapid Tag card in order to be allowed access. These cards are available from 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday at Escalante Middle School, 141 Baker Lane.
Residents will need proof of residence to obtain a card. This can include, but is not limited, to:
Driver’s license or state-issued IDUtility billCommunication from landlordEmergency authorities remind the public of this information:
While residents may return home, county roads 207 and 208 remain closed to the public.Only residents may enter these closed areas at this time. No guests or employees may enter until the roads fully reopens.Residents may enter and exit the area as often as needed, but travel should be limited during peak fire operations traffic periods from 7 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. each day.This remains an active fire area, with firefighting operations under way near homes.Do not disrupt fire operations or obstruct equipment.Do not park along roads.Smoke, flames and other fire activity is still visible. Do not report.Other things to note:
Utility service was not been disrupted in evacuated areas.Mail delivery was suspended. Residents can pick up mail at the Post Office, 222 W. Eighth Street.Evacuated pets were taken to the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 South Camino del Rio.For evacuation information, call the Lightner Creek Fire hotline at (970) 385-8700. The hotline will be staffed from 7 t o 11 a.m. Sunday.
For emergency assistance, call Central Dispatch at (970) 385-2900.