Alexander Mountain Fire in Larimer County Leads to Mandatory Evacuations

The Alexander Mountain Fire in Northern Colorado has rapidly expanded, reaching 6,781 acres by early Wednesday afternoon. In response to the escalating situation, mandatory evacuations were issued for the Masonville area and Glade Road, extending from Highway 34 to Indian Creek. Larimer County officials declared a disaster emergency, enabling access to local, state, and federal resources to combat the fire, which is now within 10 miles of Loveland. A new wildfire, named the Stone Canyon Fire, ignited on Tuesday afternoon, located eight miles south of the Alexander Mountain Fire. The evacuation zones for both fires are now adjacent, prompting increased concern among local authorities. Incident commander Mike Smith noted the rapid changes in fire size and acknowledged a national shortage of firefighting resources, although prioritization from the U.S. Forest Service is expected to bolster efforts in the coming days. Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen emphasized the importance of evacuating residents in voluntary zones, particularly those with large animals, to prevent resource strain on emergency services. The sheriff's office has urged immediate evacuation, with designated locations for both people and animals, including Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley and The Ranch in Loveland. As firefighting efforts continue, the U.S. Forest Service has deployed aircraft to assist in containment. Highway 34 remains closed in both directions, and recreational activities at Horsetooth Reservoir are suspended until further notice. Local residents are advised to stay informed and prioritize safety as the situation develops.