The rapidly expanding Alexander Mountain Fire in northern Colorado has necessitated new mandatory evacuations. With the fire now encompassing over 5,000 acres, authorities have escalated their response measures.
CBS Colorado reported that the dual-threat of the Alexander Mountain Fire and the nearby Stone Canyon Fire has triggered urgent evacuations and a state-wide disaster declaration.
The Alexander Mountain Fire, active in Larimer County, was officially documented at 5,080 acres by Tuesday evening. It is now at the center of a national emergency firefighting effort, highlighting the severity of the wildfire risk in the area.
Given the fire's proximity to local communities, officials issued new evacuation orders for the Masonville area along Glade Road, stretching from Highway 34 to Indian Creek. Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen emphasized the urgency during a news conference, urging residents to "EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY" to ensure safety. Following the sheriff's appeal, officials broadened evacuation notices to include those in voluntary zones and advised preparation, particularly for those with large animals.
The discovery of the Stone Canyon Fire, starting just 8 miles south of the Alexander Mountain Fire’s location, underpins the evacuation efforts. The proximity of the new wildfire has led to united evacuation zones between the two fires, significantly increasing the area under threat.
Lori Hodges, chair of the Larimer County Board of Commissioners, declared a disaster emergency on Tuesday afternoon, facilitating access to more extensive firefighting resources and federal aid. "By declaring a disaster, Larimer County can activate our local Emergency Operations Plan," Hodges elucidated. This strategic move allows for the utilization of state and federal support to manage the unfolding crisis more effectively.
Reacting to the escalating emergency, Colorado's governor declared a statewide disaster, further mobilizing resources and attention to the affected areas. This state-wide attention underscores the severity of the wildfires, aiming at coordinating responses across multiple governmental layers.
Intense firefighting efforts are underway, with 270 personnel already deployed, supported by aerial firefighting tactics to tame the unyielding flames of the Alexander Mountain Fire. The U.S. Forest Service acknowledged the fire's significance by granting it national priority status, ensuring that a complex incident management team would join the efforts within 24 to 48 hours.
The U.S. Forest Service, in a morning statement, justified prioritizing this wildfire due to "the proximity to critical infrastructure and communities," confirming substantial support from state and local cooperators. The arrival of national experts is expected to ramp up real-time strategic fire management.
Fortunately, the last reports confirm that these fires have not damaged any residential structures. However, the Stone Canyon Fire has already claimed at least two homes. Measures are in place to mitigate further loss, with evacuation centers established at the Foundations Church in Loveland and the Estes Park Events Complex.
For those with large animals, an arrangement has been made at the Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley to accommodate the evacuees. These preemptive measures reflect a broad coordinated effort to safeguard not only human lives but also animals potentially in harm's way.
The cause of the Alexander Mountain Fire remains under investigation, though it has drawn significant attention due to the rapid growth in its scale and impact. Mike Smith elaborated on the challenge, stating, "The size of the fire is changing so rapidly," attributing such dynamics to the dry conditions and shifting wind patterns complicating the firefighting efforts. This situation has resulted in variable and challenging conditions for fire suppression teams.
The county’s dedicated emergency notification system at nocoalerts.org provides live updates to keep the community informed. Detailed fire mapping provided by the U.S. Forest Service and NASA is also aiding in the tactical response to the wildfire.
*In conclusion, the combined impact of the Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire has provoked significant evacuations and a concentrated firefighting response, prioritized nationally*.
