Catalpa Fire Erupts in Fort Collins, Prompting Evacuations

Catalpa Fire Breaks Out in Fort Collins

On Thursday, a vegetation fire ignited in the 1400 block of Catalpa Court in Fort Collins, rapidly expanding to approximately five acres and subsequently dubbed the Catalpa Fire. Fire crews arrived on the scene to find the flames consuming light, rapidly spreading fuels and moving southward towards the 'A' landmark. A canal located to the east served as a protective barrier against the fire's advance towards nearby residential areas.

Authorities later confirmed that the fire's southern progression had been halted, although localized evacuations were in effect. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents living west of Overland Trail and south of Elizabeth Street to Dixon Canyon Road, with officials advising immediate departure for safety reasons. This order was enacted around 5:08 PM by emergency officials from Larimer County.

Reports indicated that the fire was affecting the Maxwell Natural Area near Horsetooth Reservoir, in proximity to the Colorado State University Foothills Campus. Numerous images circulated online depicted smoke billowing from the affected region.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the Fort Collins Fire Department has yet to provide additional information. Currently, the area is under Stage 1 fire restrictions.