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Evacuees Thankful For Community Support

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Those forced from their homes when the Cold Springs Fire grew too close are thankful for strong community support. Some will be allowed to return home and others don't have a home left to return to.

"The sheriff called and told me," said Rich Lampright, whose home was destroyed by the Cold Springs Fire.

He watched his home burn while watching it on TV. Now he's starting to think about what's next.

cold springs fire homes
(credit: CBS)

"The sleepless nights are about what we left behind, trying to think about those things that we should have pulled out that we didn't," said Lampright.

A total of eight homes have been lost to the Cold Springs Fire, which began burning Saturday after two transients failed to properly extinguish a campfire.

More detailed mapping has showed that 528 acres have burned, a little less than the originally reported number.

PHOTO GALLERY: Cold Springs Fire

Megan Feeley's father couldn't help her or her sister evacuate their home. He was called in to fight the fire on the front lines. Their home is still at risk.

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(credit: CBS)

"It's still standing as of now but the fire is directly below it in our neighborhood. So, we're just going to hope the winds don't turn around," said Megan.

A duck, also evacuated, has brought some joy to Nederland High School where hundreds of evacuees have been living. It was the first time some of the teenagers living there have laughed since they had to grab their belongings and leave home.

COLD SPRINGS WILDFIRE
(credit: CBS)

John Burris was overcome with emotion when the community rallied to support those who had to evacuate.

"Everybody is coming together, the community, it's probably one of the most beautiful thing's I've seen in my whole life," said Burris. "People are still really good people and willing to help."

"It's been really uplifting because our community is so close and everyone is helping each other out," said Megan.

COLD SPRINGS WILDFIRE
(credit: CBS)

Two men from Alabama are accused of starting the fire by not fully extinguishing their campfire. They're expected to appear in court Wednesday and learn what criminal charges prosecutors will pursue against them.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Living With Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

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