Elephant Butte Fire In Jeffco Is now 60% Contained: Officials

EVERGREEN, CO — All evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday evening in the Evergreen area after rain helped to control the Elephant Butte Fire, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. As of 7 p.m., all evacuees were allowed to return to their homes.

Those who returned needed to go through checkpoints to ensure that only residents are in the area while crews fight the fire.

As of Wednesday morning, the 50-acre fire was 60 percent contained, officials said. Personnel from multiple agencies, an air tanker and two helicopters have been fighting the wildfire.

No injuries have been reported and no buildings have been damaged, Evergreen Fire Rescue said.

Evacuation centers were set up at King Murphy Elementary, 425 Circle K Ranch Road, and Evergreen Middle School, 2059 Hiwan Drive. Large animals and livestock were taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds and pets were taken to the evacuation centers or Foothills Animal Shelter at 580 McIntyre St. in Golden.

The fire was first reported around 2:30 p.m. Monday, and spread quickly due to hot, dry conditions. Later Monday afternoon, smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from miles away.

Aldfer/Three Sisters Park, Elk Meadow and Hiwan Heritage Parks were closed and evacuated.

This is a developing story — check back for updates.