Emergency Status
Jul 13

Boulder Canyon Opening – Plans for Lifting Remaining Evacuation Orders

Beginning tonight around 8 p.m., Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) will reopen in both directions. Because fire suppression activities will be continuing in the days ahead, motorists and those involved in recreational activities in the area should exercise caution when in Boulder Canyon between mile markers 28.5 and 30.

All remaining mandatory evacuation orders are expected to be lifted at 8 pm, tomorrow, July 14, which will allow the remaining evacuated residents to return home.

Residents returning to the Cold Springs Fire area should expect to encounter a variety of hazards that include fire-weakened trees, blowing ash, stump holes, and smoke over the next few weeks within the fire perimeter. Homeowners are encouraged to visit www.ColdSpringsFireRecovery.org or www.BoulderOEM.com for recovery related information.

Today, firefighters continued to make excellent progress on the Cold Springs Fire. Crews continued to mop-up and improved perimeter lines across the fire. As of tonight, the Cold Springs Fire is 80% contained and it is expected to reach 100% within the next 24 hours. Residents in and around the Cold Springs Fire should expect continued fire operations in the area. Helicopters will also be working in the area, bringing power poles in to replace those destroyed during the fire. These activities may require temporary safety closures.

Due to the progress in containing the Cold Springs Fire and residents returning home, daily community meetings at 1 pm and press briefings at 5 pm concluded today.

On Friday, July 15 at 7 am, Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black will transfer the management of the Cold Springs Fire back to the local Boulder County Type 3 Incident Management Team.