A wildfire that ignited Wednesday afternoon near Gross Reservoir in Boulder County burned at least one home and another structure before first responders were able to stop its growth.
It was at least the fourth major wildfire along the Front Range this week.
The county sheriff’s office says the Lake Shore fire was burning on about five or six acres near the Lake Shore Park neighborhood on the northeastern edge of the reservoir. Firefighting planes were able to surround the burn area in flame retardant, stopping the blaze before it got out of control.
A second structure was “impacted” by the fire, but officials said they weren’t sure if it was a home or the extent of the damage.
Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson said investigators are talking to two people who are believed to have accidentally started the fire at about 2:30 p.m. while working on a home.
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“It does appear to be a human-caused fire,” he said.
A television news helicopter captures images of the fire burning right up to the base of homes, as well as one destroyed home.
Homes west of Gross Reservoir west to the Peak to Peak Highway were told to evacuate for a brief time.
“Were hopeful we can keep it to five to six acres and get it knocked down today,” Johnson said.
Road closures caused by the fire include:
- Flagstaff Road is closed from Gregory Canyon to Gross Dam Road.
- Gross Dam Road is closed between Coal Creek Canyon to Lake Shore Drive.
- Lake Shore Drive is closed, beginning at Gross Dam Road.
There were already three other major wildfires burning in the foothills when the Lake Shore fire ignited. Firefighting resources from those fires were quickly diverted to the blaze near Gross Reservoir.