An ember from a tool used by the state’s fire division to reduce dry fuels may have started a wildfire that prompted evacuations in northern Colorado early Wednesday, according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.
Preliminary findings from an investigation show that crews with the state’s fire division were using a tool called an air-curtain burner, which is a semi-enclosed firebox designed to dispose of slash and debris, before an ember escaped overnight, possibly sparking the Cougar Run fire early Wednesday morning. The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.
The Cougar Run fire grew to about 3½ acres before state and local firefighters contained the flames about 10 a.m. and began extinguishing hot spots, the sheriff’s office said.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have regional partners who spring into action and work together seamlessly in service to our community,” Sheriff John Feyen said in a statement. “Fire season is already off to a busy start. We’ll continue training together, learning from each incident, and working hard to keep Larimer County safe.”
Mandatory evacuations were in place for people living near Carter Lake for about 3½ hours. More than 1,700 contacts received notifications in the evacuation zones, the sheriff’s office said.
No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.
Fire restrictions are in effect for areas below 9,000 feet in unincorporated parts of Larimer County, barring uncontained open fires and smoking in open areas, such as trails and open spaces.
“Elevated to critical” fire weather is expected across the lower Front Range foothills and Interstate 25 corridor Wednesday due to warm, dry and breezy conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Moisture is expected to lower fire risk starting Thursday and through the weekend, with daily chances of showers and thunderstorms, the service said.
A separate fire that sparked northwest of Boulder grew to about 2 acres before crews stopped its progress earlier Wednesday. An evacuation warning was issued for the Goat Trail fire just before 4 a.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.