Firefighters have contained an overnight wildfire that threatened homes and had 200 families in Conifer evacuated.
The families received a call early Thursday morning, warning them to evacuate. Jefferson County authorities implemented the reverse 911 system after someone reported the fire at 1:30 a.m.
Officials say heavy winds downed a tree limb, which fell on a power line and sent a spark into the grass, starting the fire. Flames threatened four homes in the Richmond Hill subdivision but firefighters from the Elk Creek Volunteer Fire Department were able to stop the fire before it caused any damage.
The Red Cross set up a shelter at Conifer High School to provide water and snacks to the evacuees.
The evacuation order was lifted just after 6 a.m. and families were allowed to return home after having been evacuated for four hours.
The blaze burned between five and seven acres.
Residents in the area said strong winds were gusting through the night and remain strong Thursday morning.
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