Fire near Evergreen caused by tree that fell into power lines

Jefferson County sheriff’s officials say a fire that prompted evacuations in the foothills near Evergreen was sparked when a tree fell onto power lines and burned.

Incident Commander Bill Easterling said Tuesday afternoon that the blaze isn’t controlled yet but is fully contained. Sheriff’s officials say remaining evacuees are being allowed back home at 8 p.m., and power has been restored to about 360 homes.

The fire, estimated at 10 acres, ignited on Monday about 30 miles west of Denver. It prompted evacuations after the wind carried sparks a half mile away, but some evacuees were allowed back home Monday. No structures have been lost.

Meanwhile in southwest Colorado, a 75-acre fire is burning near Creede. It is 50 percent contained. Fire officials say that blaze threatened three homes.