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Thursday, Jul. 17, 2008

UPDATED: Mayor lifts evacuation order for part of downtown

About 1:15 p.m., Mayor Jim Newberry lifted the evacuation order he had issued for several downtown blocks, saying the fire is now contained.

“While smoke will probably linger in the area for the next several hours, the intensity level of the smoke has been reduced and made it possible to lift the evacuation,” Newberry said.

People who are frail or who have breathing problems are advised to continue avoiding the area.

The evacuation area included the blocks bounded by West Third, West Second and extending west to Old Georgetown and east to Miller Street, including Jefferson and Maryland streets. Many of those who were evacuated were given shelter at the Salvation Army, 736 W. Main Street.