The Alexander Mountain Fire near Loveland, Colorado, has grown to an estimated 950 acres with no containment as of Monday evening, July 29. The fire, located in the Roosevelt National Forest north of U.S. Highway 34, has prompted mandatory and voluntary evacuations as it continues to burn west of Loveland. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office shared updates on the fire’s size and containment status, as well as the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Air resources have been deployed to drop water and fire retardant on the fire continuously until about 8 p.m. Monday. Fire crews are expected to remain on scene overnight, with air operations and additional ground resources set to resume Tuesday morning. The sheriff’s office announced that command of the fire will be transferred to the U.S. Forest Service at 6 a.m. Tuesday. While the Forest Service will be responsible for all public information moving forward, the sheriff’s office will continue to manage the Joint Information Center and provide updates on evacuation notices, road closures, and animal evacuation information.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for County Road 18E from Pole Hill to Pinewood Reservoir, as well as Drake to Dam Store along U.S. Highway 34, including Storm Mountain and Palisade Mountain. Evacuation sites have been set up at Foundations Church in Loveland and the Event Center in Estes Park. Large animals can be taken to The Ranch in Loveland, while small animals can be accommodated by contacting NOCO Humane.
As of Monday evening, the sheriff’s office stated that no additional volunteer resources or supplies are needed at this time. Road closures include U.S. Highway 34, County Road 43, County Road 18E, and County Road 29. Multiple agencies are assisting with firefighting efforts, including local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and the U.S. Forest Service.
The fire has posed challenges for residents in the area, with mandatory and voluntary evacuations impacting several communities. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has been providing updates on evacuation orders, road closures, and firefighting efforts through various communication channels. The ongoing efforts to contain the fire and ensure the safety of residents and animals in the area are a top priority for all agencies involved.
As the situation continues to develop, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow evacuation orders as necessary. The Alexander Mountain Fire serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildfires and the importance of preparedness and cooperation in times of crisis.
