Wildfire near National Center for Atmospheric Research prompts evacuations in Boulder, Colorado

A wildfire broke out on Friday morning in an open space area near the National Center for Atmospheric Research office in Boulder, Colorado. As of Friday night, the fire had not been contained, but efforts were underway with firefighters working on the ground in challenging conditions to establish containment lines. Due to the darkness, helicopter operations had ceased, and the smoke had decreased significantly. Multiple Colorado fire and police agencies responded to the scene, with air resources and helicopters deployed to assist in containing the blaze. The fire, known as the #DinosaurFire, was located in the southwestern part of Boulder, within the Denver metro area. Officials described it as a "slow-moving" fire, with no immediate evacuation concerns for residents. Rick Tillery, the public information officer for Mountain View Fire Rescue, stated that while the situation was being monitored closely, there was no imminent threat to structures or homes unless there was a change in wind direction. The rugged terrain of the area posed challenges for firefighters, with the steepness and rocky nature of the Flatirons providing ample fuel for the fire. Residents and hikers in the vicinity were advised to evacuate the area, and trails around the fire were closed for safety reasons. The Boulder Office of Emergency Management issued updates on the situation, while the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab remained closed on Friday due to the wildfire burning nearby. Despite the difficult conditions, firefighters were aided by calm winds, which helped in their efforts to contain the fire. The community remained vigilant, with authorities closely monitoring the situation and ready to respond to any changes in the fire's behavior. The ongoing wildfire near the National Center for Atmospheric Research office in Boulder has prompted a coordinated response from various agencies to contain the blaze. With no official containment as of Friday night, firefighters continue to work diligently in challenging conditions to establish control lines and prevent the fire from spreading further. The safety of residents and structures remains a top priority, with authorities closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to ensure the community's well-being amidst the ongoing firefighting efforts.