Evacuation orders lowered for Hayes Road Fire as crews mop up last remaining hot spots

Evacuations were lowered Sunday for residents living near Bridgeport in Douglas County as fire crews mop up the last remaining hot spots in the Hayes Road Fire.

The fire, which began Friday in brush about 11 miles south of Bridgeport, forced mandatory evacuations for residents on Road K Northwest between state Route 17 and Road 19 Northeast. About 12 homes and some crops were threatened, but no structures were lost. Evacuation orders were lowered to Level 1, meaning residents should still be ready to leave if needed.

Fire crews hoped to have the 3,000-acre fire about 90 percent contained by Sunday night, said Ben Shearer, the public information officer for the fire. Crews are patrolling the fire, watching for potential flare ups.

As activity winds down, the American Red Cross has closed down its emergency shelter at Bridgeport High School.