Cascade Heights evacuation lifted as Bear Creek Fire reaches 60% containment

Ridgeline County Emergency Management confirms the evacuation order for Cascade Heights has been downgraded to an evacuation warning, effective immediately. Residents may return but should remain ready to leave on short notice.

Incident commander Rhonda Pike says containment has reached 60 percent, up from 35 percent Thursday evening, aided by overnight winds dropping below 10 mph.

Two additional air tankers arrived from the regional fire cache to support ground crews along the eastern containment line.

The Red Cross shelter at Ridgeline Community Center reports 140 people stayed overnight; hot breakfast was served starting at 7 AM.

Evacuation orders issued for all of Cascade Heights and the Bear Creek Road corridor as fire crossed containment lines near mile marker 4.