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All mandatory evac orders due to Lake Christine Fire lifted

The Eagle County Sheriff's Office said all mandatory evacuation orders issued due to the Lake Christine Fire have been lifted.
Credit: Matt Renoux
Lake Christine Fire

BASALT - All mandatory evacuations were lifted late Wednesday night, the Eagle County Sheriff's Office said.

Three homes were destroyed by the Lake Christine Fire, which grew significantly last week due to erratic winds and extremely dry fuels, according to a Facebook post from the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.

The video below shows just how close the fire got to El Jebel. Can't see the video click here

One of the three homes destroyed belonged to a firefighter who was fighting the fire. Another was being rented by his brother.

“Cleave's house burned to the ground. There is nothing left of it," said his mom Bonnie Williams. "His wife and son got out safe. They did not get much of their valuables but my other son Quint Williams lost his rental house. Out of the three houses lost two of my sons lost homes.”

Anyone wishing to help support those impacted by the fire can visit the Aspen Community Foundation website. They have a link set up for donations.

The area will be re-opened to residents effective immediately. Those returning home are urged to be ready to leave again at a moment's notice and to make sure they're set up to receive emergency alerts.

Credit: Matt Renoux

An interactive map has been set up to show the size of the fire, road closures and other essential information.

The fire was reportedly started by people shooting tracer rounds - despite a Stage 2 fire ban in the county that bans that type of ammunition. According to Carbondale Fire, the pair suspects have been issued a court summons in lieu of arrests and have been charged with shooting tracer rounds.

Credit: Matt Renoux

Firefighters from the Basalt and Rural Fire Protection District were paged to the Lake Christine shooting range the night of July 3 and found a wildfire burning up a hillside on the north end of the range, Carbondale Fire said in a news release.

In a Facebook post the San Isabel Electric Association said it was assessing the damage from the fire. Its radio tower, which was located on La Veta pass was destroyed.

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