Boulder County fire crews were able to reach 100 percent containment on the Rabbit Mountain Fire this morning, but not before the wind-swept blaze burned more than 150 acres.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office tweeted at 9:15 a.m. today that the fire was fully contained and that 25 to 30 firefighters were on hand to begin mop up duty, but also added that the high winds remained a “major variable.”
Sheriff’s officials initially had said the fire only grew half an acre overnight. The wildfire had been reported to be 50 acres to 75 acres in size Monday night. It’s not yet clear whether the fire grew significantly overnight, or whether officials simply were able to better measure its size today.
No new sturctures were reported lost in the fire, bringing the total damage to three outbuildings and one barn. No residents or firefighters were injured, but one horse did suffer minor injuries.
Boulder County sheriff’s Cmdr. Mike Wagner said there were a few new small fires in the area overnight, but nothing that crews weren’t able to quickly contain.
The Rabbit Mountain blaze, located north of Ute Highway and along Rabbit Mountain Road, began around 5 p.m. Monday About 75 residences were evacuated Monday, but residents south of Rabbit Mountain Road were allowed to return to their homes late Monday night.
The sheriff’s office said there were no new evacuations planned but asked residents to “remain ready.”
Life Bridge Church in Longmont opened for evacuees, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office said. The Boulder County Fairgrounds were also open for large animals, and there were 35 horses there as of this morning.
Fire crews will have to battle even worse fire conditions today, as the forecast calls for highs in the 70s and 30 mph winds. A red flag warning will go into effect at 11 a.m. and remain in place until at least 6 p.m. today.
The Rabbit Mountain Fire broke out several hours after a 30-acre grass fire burned three structures in Weld County southeast of Longmont.
Mitchell Byars: 303-473-1329, byarsm@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/mitchellbyars.
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