Douglas County pre-evacation notices canceled

Officials on June 29 canceled pre-evacuation notices for residents of Douglas County, who had been warned over previous days to be prepared to leave because of the Waldo Canyon Fire in El Paso County.

Notices had gone out to residents of Larkspur and southwestern Douglas County.

In the event that an evacuation is ever needed, officials offer some advice about the pre-evacuation stage.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to gather important documents, medications, and important personal effects so that they will be immediately available should conditions deteriorate.

Authorities advise residents to maintain “situational awareness.” If residents see they are in danger, they are urged not to wait for an evacuation order, but to take the initiative to leave immediately.

Residents also are urged to refrain from calling 9-1-1 unless they have an actual emergency. The Douglas County website www.douglas.co.us and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website, www.dcsheriff.net, will be updated as more information becomes available.

The Douglas County fairgrounds in Castle Rock, 500 Fairgrounds Road, off Plum Creek Parkway, can accommodate evacuees and large animals should an evacuation become necessary.

When Larkspur was under a pre-evacuation notice, Town Manager Matt Krimmer made suggestions.

“Our message is to be prepared and if you do have to move out, take everything you feel is of importance and value and hold your breath,” he said.