FORT COLLINS, Colo.— About 1,900 people who were displaced by a deadly wildfire in northern Colorado were being allowed back into their homes Thursday.
The announcement came as firefighters said they hope to have the 136-square-mile fire completely contained by this weekend.
The High Park Fire erupted June 9 and killed one person and destroyed 257 homes.
Containment stood at 75 percent on Thursday.
Residents on Colorado's eastern plains have also been allowed to return home after the Last Chance grass fire was fully contained. The fire destroyed four homes, 10 outbuildings and a county bridge.
Located about 60 miles east of Denver, the fire was started by sparks from a tire blowout, Washington County Sheriff Larry Kuntz said. That fire began Monday and was quickly brought under control.
Boulder lifted a pre-evacuation notice for neighborhoods in south Boulder on Wednesday after a wildfire burning in the mountains west of the community slowed down.
Officials say cooler temperatures decreased concern for the Flagstaff Fire, which was about 30 percent contained and has scorched at least 300 acres near Boulder. Heavy rain fell on the fire area, increasing humidity.
A new fire near De Beque grew from 20 acres to 700, threatening seven structures. The fire burning in the Book Cliffs southwest of De Beque and about 175 miles west of Denver.
Officials said the fire was sparked by lightning and spread rapidly. Fire crews said there was no immediate threat to the town of De Beque.
Near Mancos in southwestern Colorado, firefighters worked to douse hot spots on the Weber fire, which began winding down on Wednesday. The 6-day-old fire burned 14 square miles and was 30 percent contained Wednesday.
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