Evacuation warning rescinded for Boulder County towns after firefighters control small blaze
Boulder County officials rescinded an evacuation warning for two towns after firefighters contained a small wildfire sparked by a fatal plane crash in Lefthand Canyon.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 9:41 a.m. about a small plane crash in the canyon, Cmdr. Vinnie Montez said. One person died in the plane crash, he said.
The crash sparked the wildfire in the 10800 block of Lefthand Canyon Drive, which is approximately 6 miles east of Ward and 1 mile north of Gold Hill. Officials closed Lefthand Canyon Drive from Lickskillet Drive to Colorado 72 so firefighters could work the blaze.
Officials at 10:30 a.m. issued an evacuation warning to people in the area — including the towns of Ward and Gold Hill — but rescinded that warning just before noon.
The fire burned at least a quarter of an acre in heavy timber, Montez said. Firefighters continued to work on hot spots at 11:41 a.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators are still gathering details about the plane crash, Montez said.
An ALL CLEAR has been issued for the area(s) of 10,800 block of Lefthand Canyon Dr, including the towns of Ward and Gold Hill. Crews are still working hotspots in the area, but the threat has been mediated. Expect an increased police and fire presence for a while longer.
— BoulderCountySheriff (@BldrCOSheriff) July 17, 2022
