DENVER, COLORADO – As of 7:40 PM MT on August 1, 2024, the Alexander Mountain Fire has grown to cover 8,134 acres in the foothills north of Big Thompson Canyon, with containment now at 5%. The fire, which started on July 29, is located between Loveland and Estes Park in Larimer County, Colorado.
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office emergency personnel confirmed that at least two dozen structures, a mix of homes and outbuildings, have been damaged or destroyed. The affected structures are located in the area of Palisade Mountain Drive and Snow Top Drive. Damage Assessment Teams will begin a more thorough assessment on the morning of August 2, as fire conditions permit. Property owners will be notified by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office once the assessment is complete.
Those who believe their property may be impacted should call the Damage Assessment Center at 970-980-2800 to provide current contact information.
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Latest Developments
At 6 a.m. today, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 took command of the fire. Crews focused on point-specific protection and made good progress protecting high-priority areas around the Alexander fire. Fire activity today was primarily within the interior, causing a noticeable smoke plume in the afternoon. There has not been an additional Multi-Mission Aircraft flight, so the acreage remains at 8,134.
Weather conditions continue to challenge firefighting efforts, with temperatures about 10 degrees above average expected to persist through Monday. A high-pressure system over the Rocky Mountains will keep temperatures in the 90s, though increasing cloud cover starting August 2 may bring small chances of showers and thunderstorms.
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
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Closures, Evacuations, and Investigations
The Larimer County Joint Information Center is providing updates on evacuation notices, animal evacuations, and road closures. For evacuation information, visit NoCoAlert or text LCEVAC to 888777. The Joint Information Center can be reached at 970-980-2500.
Please note that the Forest Service has increased the area closure. Refer to the new forest order and map for details.
The cause of the Alexander Mountain Fire is under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the cause and origin of the Alexander Mountain fire is asked to call the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line at 303-275-5266. Photographs and videos can be submitted via this link.
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Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Additional Fires Strain Resources
The response to the Alexander Mountain Fire has been complicated by three other significant fires along the Colorado Front Range:
Quarry Fire: Burning in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Quarry Fire has grown to 450 acres with 0% containment. The fire threatens to jump Deer Creek Road, which could endanger multiple subdivisions. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Deer Creek Mesa, Sampson, Maxwell, McKinney, and Murphy, affecting approximately 575 homes. Pre-evacuation notices are in place for Oehlmann Park, Homestead South, Silver Ranch, Silver Ranch South, and West Ranch neighborhoods.
Stone Canyon Fire: Located north of Lyons, this fire has burned 1,553 acres with a 20% containment. The fire has resulted in one death and five destroyed structures. Mandatory evacuation orders remain for the Eagle Ridge and Spring Valley areas, with partial all-clear notices issued for Steamboat Valley and Stone Canyon neighborhoods. The northern and western portions of the Town of Lyons had their evacuation orders lifted on Wednesday morning.
Lake Shore Fire: This fire burned about seven acres near Gross Reservoir in Boulder County. One home was lost, but all evacuation orders and road closures were lifted by Thursday morning. Boulder County officials reported that the fire was human-caused but accidental.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Wildfire Prevention Tips
Preventing future wildfires and saving lives is a community effort. Here are some tips to help:
- Dispose of Yard Waste Properly: Avoid burning leaves or debris, and use designated disposal methods.
- Maintain Equipment: Regularly check and maintain vehicles, chainsaws, and lawnmowers to prevent sparks.
- Observe Fire Bans: Always adhere to local fire bans and restrictions, especially during dry and windy conditions.
- Clear Vegetation: Create defensible space around your home by clearing dry brush and vegetation.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you see something unusual, report it to local authorities immediately.
For more updates on the Alexander Mountain Fire, visit InciWeb.
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