BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Thousands of Boulder, Colo., residents must remain out of their homes overnight because of a wildfire, officials said late Friday.
At a news conference at 8 p.m., city officials said firefighters hope to keep the Dome Fire from spreading further during the night and to contain it Saturday, the Daily Camera reported. The blaze, first reported at 8 a.m. on public land outside the city limits, spread to 144 acres during the day.
"I know this is difficult news for residents who had hoped to return home this evening, but fire officials tell us this is necessary to ensure public safety, which remains our top priority," City Manager Jane Brautigam said. "We'd like to assure residents that we are doing all we can to protect their property and will continue to monitor the fire situation carefully".
Commander Rick Brough of the Boulder County Sheriff's Department said no structures were under immediate threat. But he said the fire was only 5 percent contained.
Schools and municipal offices closed early Friday because of possible power outages, the Colorado Daily reported. Two facilities operated by Boulder Community Hospital were emptied before noon.
The Coors Event Center at the University of Colorado became a temporary shelter for those forced out of their homes.
UPI
