Fire ripped through an area of Happy Valley Tuesday, destroying 5 homes and damaging two other structures. It was first reported near Saddle Trail and Laverne Lane at around 12:45PM, and it spread to the north, quickly jumping Hawthorne avenue and threatening numerous homes on China Gulch Road. The evacuated area included Hawthorne to the south, Oak to the west and China Gulch to the north. Many retardant drops were made, including a massive dump by a DC-10. As it was approaching Clear Creek and spotting to the other side, hand crews cut lines ahead of its path and large helicopters dropped loads of water on the flames. Forward progress was stopped just before 5 O’clock on the ridge above Clear Creek. The latest estimate is 150 acres with 60% containment. Evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes. Road closures have been lifted, though some are accessible only to residents.
