Evacuations have been lifted in Wise County where firefighters are making progress against the Boones Creek fire near Lake Bridgeport.
Officials say the fire broke out Wednesday afternoon, and like most fires this one started out small near Hyde Cemetery in Runaway Bay on the south side of the lake.
Neighbors reported seeing light smoke quickly turn darker and more ominous as the flames spread - and spread fast. Before long, about 80 acres were on fire and evacuation orders were issued for about 200 homes.
But around 8:30 p.m., Wise County Office of Emergency Management said conditions were safe enough for residents to return home.
Firefighters on the ground had help from water drop planes taking advantage of nearby Lake Bridgeport to keep pouring down the water.
Early Thursday morning the fire is considered 70% contained but the firefighters will stay on site until they get it out.
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