Fire Crews Battle 80-Acre Brush Fire That Prompted Evacuations
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Fire crews battled a brush fire that had burned approximately 80 acres in Berthoud on Wednesday.
There were nearly three dozen voluntary evacuations in place. Residents were allowed to return home Wednesday night after crews said they believe they were getting a handle on the fire, but they were told to be ready to evacuate if the need arises.
Multiple agencies battled the Hertha Ridge Fire on the south side of Carter Lake in Larimer County. It was 55 percent contained at 9 p.m.
Copter4 flew over the fire where a large portion of brush, grass and trees was burned.
Air support dropped slurry to try to keep the fire under control.
The fire grew close to a home near the burn area.
"I know a few folks that live up there. I mean yeah, I'm worried for them," said Scott Wilson, who lives near the fire.
It was the second time this summer a wildfire has come close to Courtney Whittet's home.
"I started gathering up just important documents …. preparing so that if I needed to load up real fast with the baby and the dogs I could do so quickly," she said.
Firefighters spent hours trying to save a house, dousing a large woodpile stacked near trees, dangerously close to the home. Eventually a shed was lost and the burning wood pile got so intense crews had to stand back and do their best to keep the fire from spreading.
What started the fire is unknown.
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