A large plume of smoke is still visible across northern Colorado as crews work to contain a wildfire that ignited Monday west of Loveland.
The Alexander Mountain fire was reported through a 911 call Monday morning. By the end of the day, the fire had spread to cover 992 acres — more than 1.5 square miles.
The U.S. Forest Service is expected to assume command of the fire response Tuesday, taking over from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. The Forest Service said on X that the fire continued to grow overnight, but reported “no major runs.” No injuries or damage to buildings have been reported as of Tuesday morning.
Dozens of fire departments responded to the fire Monday, and more from surrounding areas have been deployed Tuesday morning, including units from Colorado Springs and Northglenn. Support aircraft spent much of Monday dropping water and fire retardant over the area.
Colorado may have to wait for further fire resources if the fire grows, according to Larimer County officials. Significant resources have been tied up by the Park Fire in California, which has burned more than 380,000 acres, and other wildfires in nearby western states.
Conditions on Tuesday will be ideal for rapid fire growth, due to low humidity, relatively strong winds and warm temperatures. The National Weather Service said winds will begin to pick up in the afternoon, with gusts expected to reach up to 35 mph.
Multiple evacuations ordered Monday remain in place. Most of the evacuations were ordered along Highway 34, which remains closed, from Drake to the Dam Store. Evacuations were also ordered for residents who live in areas near Waltonia Road, Eden Valley to Sunrise Ranch and Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch to Ellis Ranch, as well as Country Road 18E from Pole Hill to Pinewood Reservoir.
A full map of mandatory evacuation zones and areas that should be prepared to evacuate can be found on Larimer County’s alert system website.
Evacuation Centers have been set up at Foundations Church at 1380 N. Denver Avenue and at the Estes Park Events Complex at 1125 Rooftop Way in Estes Park. Residents can evacuate large animals to The Ranch at 5290 Arena Circle in Loveland. A shelter at Namaqua Elementary School was closed at 5:00 p.m. Monday and transitioned to the Foundations Church.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
