Applause Rings Out From Anxious Cold Springs Fire Evacuees
By Tom Mustin
NEDERLAND, Colo. (CBS4) - Applause rang out inside the Nederland High School gym after good news of progress fighting the Cold Springs Fire.
On Tuesday firefighters hit the west side of the fire and they tried to tackle the interior of the fire.
Residents who live off Sugarloaf Road on Tuesday started returning home.
"I'm relieved to see everything still standing," homeowner Matt Reynolds said.
On Sunday night Reynolds and his wife watched as the fire got dangerously close to their home. On Tuesday Reynolds joined 800 evacuees who were allowed back into their home on Sugarloaf and Magnolia roads.
PHOTO GALLERY: Cold Springs Fire
Others are still evacuated but offered nothing but praise to the firefighters.
"We're just blown away by how many people have come by to help," evacuee Jennifer McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin and her neighbor plan to join other neighbors in welcoming the firefighters home with signs and water.
All evacuated residents south of fire in the Hurricane Hill area can return home from 7 a.m. through 9 a.m. Wednesday morning to gather belongings.
Residents north of fire on Cold Springs Road can return Wednesday from 9 a.m. through 11 a.m.
Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said he expects all residents will be able return home in "days, not weeks." He expects all power to be back on shortly afterwards.
LINKS: Boulder Office of Emergency Management Fire Updates |Cold Springs Fire Relief Fund
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.
