Evacuations Lifted After Deer Creek Canyon Wildfire Contained

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — A wildfire that broke out Thursday in Jefferson County's Deer Creek Canyon area has now been 100 percent contained, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. Evacuations have been lifted, however some people may have to prove residency to gain entrance. Hildebrand, Deer Cree and South Valley parks remain closed, officials said.

It appears the wildfire was caused by people, officials said. Witnesses said they saw two young people running from the area around the time the fire started.

The fire broke out near the mouth of Deer Creek Park near Grizzly and Bear Claw drives, the sheriff's office said.

Evacuation orders were sent to 328 homes on Thursday, the sheriff's office said. An evacuation center was initially set up in Littleton at Chatfield High School; however as of 7 a.m. Friday, evacuees were relocated to Ken Caryl Ranch House at 7676 S. Continental Divide. Residents with large animals were advised to evacuate to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

The fire grew to 200 by 200 feet by 5 p.m. Thursday evening, and the first evacuation order was issued. Large plumes of smoke and flames could be seen from the surrounding regions. At least 40 firefighters were called to the area.

A family of hikers in the area was found by rescuers and escorted out of harm's way, the sheriff's office said.

A second evacuation order was issued just before 8:30 p.m. for residents living nearby on Samson Road, Mill Hollow Road, Sunburst and Hunter's Ridge.

A helicopter was called to the region to assist with the firefighting efforts, and at least five agencies came in from other regions to help local firefighters.

During a news conference held Thursday night, officials said no homes were threatened by the fire. By that time the fire had grown to about 13.5 acres, and more than 100 firefighters were fighting the blaze. They stayed in the area overnight, officials said.

As of Friday morning, the fire was 50 percent contained and no structures were damaged, authorities said. Firefighters were continuing to attack hot spots.

Another news conference was held Friday morning, and officials revealed that the fire appears to have been human caused. Their descriptions were not available, and no further details have been released. The investigation was ongoing.

Jeffco Public Health issued an air quality warning to residents after smoke filled surrounding regions.