By Mary Conway

Larimer County, CO (KMGH/CNN) - More families are returning to their homes in northern Colorado after being forced out by a huge wildfire.

"The fire line moving this way is over here," said Patrick McCarran.

Several times a day Patrick looks out from the back of his house to assess the growing danger.

His Glacier View home has a spectacular panoramic view of the High Park fire area.

On Wednesday, he sees primarily smoke. But at night he says it looks like a volcano.

"That glows with the 400 or 500 foot flames and then the burn line that's coming down the mountain looks like lava flow," said Patrick.

Living in the pre-evacuation area is stressful. A couple of days ago he rented the only UHaul his son could find and moved all of his valuables.

"But I'm not moving anything back though. This is far from over. Unless they get this contained this is a threat until it's out," he said.

Every day he watches the choppers and tankers fly by. He's not letting down his guard for fear the firestorm will swirl back his way.

"It automatically turns into a 30-40,000 foot thunderstorm. Immediately, the calm, the smoke, the giant flames and it really goes," he said.

The High Park Fire has grown to more than 65,000 acres in less than two weeks.

As of Wednesday it was 55 percent contained.

KMGH/CNN