What to do if you need to evacuate because of Colorado wildfires

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado’s climate can make for dangerous conditions during wildfires, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared in case you need to evacuate due to a fire.

The Alexander Mountain Fire in Larimer County is 0% contained and has grown from about 950 acres Monday evening to over 6,000 acres Wednesday afternoon, according to officials with the U.S. Forest Service, prompting evacuation notices for residents in the area.

Live wildfire updates: Alexander Mountain Fire in northern Colorado grows to 1,820 acres

The Stone Canyon Fire in Boulder County is estimated at 1,320 acres and 0% containment as of Wednesday morning. The Boulder County Sheriff said there one person has died related to this fire after human remains were found in a residence.

The Quarry Fire in Jefferson County is 200 acres with 0% containment Wednesday morning. Hundreds of homes have been evacuated in the area.

The Lake Shore Fire sparked near Gross Reservoir in Boulder County, and details about the size of the fire are unknown, but mandatory evacuation orders are in place.

Areas under mandatory evacuations

Several road closures, mandatory and voluntary evacuations are in place.

This map shows the evacuation notices:

Mandatory evacuations have been issued due to immediate and imminent danger. Those in mandatory evacuation areas should get out of the area as soon as possible.

View current evacuation orders for each of the wildfires:

• Alexander Mountain Fire (Larimer County)

• Quarry Fire (Jefferson County)

• Lake Shore Fire (Boulder County)

• Stone Canyon Fire (Boulder County)

Voluntary evacuations are recommended for those who are concerned for the safety of their home or business, who need additional time to evacuate and who have health conditions that may be aggravated by the smoke. Residents in the voluntary evacuation area are encouraged to move livestock and pets out of the area and prepare for mandatory evacuations.

“Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business.  Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area,” the Larimer County website reads.

More than 100 animals evacuated to Loveland ranch during Alexander Mountain Fire

Residents and business owners in mandatory evacuation areas may be asked to report to a specific place to let officials know that they have evacuated.

Be ready for possible evacuations

Noco Alert advises residents to not wait for an evacuation order to evacuate if they feel unsafe.

Here are some wildfire evacuation preparation measures recommended by the Colorado State Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

• Make an evacuation plan for the family and pets

• Identify multiple escape routes out of your neighborhood

• Prepare a go-bag and an emergency supply kit

• Sign up for emergency notifications

  • For Alexander Mountain Fire notifications, text LCEVAC to 888777

Denver weather: Temps near triple digits, Pinpoint Weather Alert Day

Pre-evacuation preparation during a wildfire

Residents near the fire should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, especially those in the voluntary evacuation area. Here are some ways you can prepare so you can evacuate quickly, according to CDHSEM:

• Back your car up and face it in the direction of escape

• Confine pets to one room so you can gather them quickly

• Arrange temporary housing

• Put emergency supplies and things you cannot live without in the car in advance

• Remove flammable drapes and curtains and close shutters, blinds, or heavy non-combustible window coverings to reduce heat radiation

• Close all doors inside the house to prevent draft

• Turn off natural gas and any fuel sources

• Connect hoses to outdoor water faucet and fill containers with water

  • Submerge valuables that are not damaged by water

• Leave hoses out and visible so firefighters can use them

• Move flammable furniture away from windows

Here are some things to gather so you can grab them and go in case you are evacuated:

• Emergency supply kit

  • First aid kit, flashlight

• Sanitation supplies

  • Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper

• Medications

• Food and water

• Clothes

• Chargers

• Keys, credit cards, cash

• Pet supplies

• Important documents or computer

Here are some additional tips from the National Weather Service:

If you are advised to evacuate, officials say you should do so immediately. If you have not been advised to evacuate, but you feel you are in danger or your instincts tell you to evacuate, you should do so immediately.

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