Boulder Fourmile Canyon fire update: County providing toilets, dumpsters, grief counseling

Another sign that Boulder's Fourmile Canyon fire is flaming out: The County's providing burn-area resources to residents returning to their property, including portable toilets, dumpsters and more. Also offered -- grief counseling for those having a difficult time grappling with their loss. Details below.

County implements recovery efforts for those affected by Fourmile Canyon wildfire

Boulder County, Colo. -- Boulder County is providing multiple resources as areas affected by the Fourmile Canyon wildfire continue opening to residents.

Sanitary and emergency response services

While reliable power utilities and water are still unavailable, the county is providing the following resources at nine community locations within the burn area to support residents:

• Portable toilets and wash stations

• Dumpsters for solid waste collection

• Drinking water and potable water for other sanitary purposes

• Emergency phone stations for local and emergency calls (set up by Qwest)

Note: Residents returning to the burn area will not be able to refill their household propane tanks until tanks have been inspected and certified by licensed vendors.

Additionally, the Boulder County Household Hazardous Waste center has expanded hours to receive household hazardous materials from inside the burn perimeter. There is no charge for this service. Location: Western Disposal, 5880 Butte Mill Road, Boulder (map). Hours, week of Sept. 13:

• Monday-Tuesday, noon-4 p.m.

• Wednesday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon

Mental health and grief counseling

At this time, mental health counselors and victim advocates are available in the reopened areas of the burn area for returning residents who want counseling and support services. The Mental Health Center for Boulder and Broomfield Counties has established a resource table near each of the security check points leading into the opened areas.

The following locations, which have been identified as future counseling centers, remain closed:

• Fourmile Canyon, Salina Little Church of the Pines

• Sunshine Fire Station

• Gold Hill Community Center

Victim Advocate services are also available at the Assistance Center, Boulder County Sundquist Building, 3482 N. Broadway (Iris and Broadway), Boulder. The assistance center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 303-441-3560 for more information.

Assistance center

The assistance center, which provides counseling and support services to displaced residents, is located at Boulder County's Sundquist Building, 3482 N. Broadway in Boulder. A call center is also operational there and can be contacted at 303-441-3560. The assistance center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

The assistance center is offering the following services to victims of the fire:

• Food and basic needs assistance

• Longer-term housing options for people who have lost their homes

• Mental health

• Insurance claim advice

• Medical case management

• Senior services for those age 60 and older

• Coordination with local nonprofit organizations to provide clothing and other basic needs

Health and safety

Boulder County Public Health is distributing health and safety information to residents and fire response and support personnel entering the burn area. Fact sheets and more information is available at: www.bouldercounty.org/health/fireresources.htm