The Alexander Mountain Fire, which tormented Larimer County for nearly three weeks, has finally been fully contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The notification came through on a Saturday, marking the end of an arduous battle against the flames that consumed over 9,668 acres of land. First reported near the community of Drake on July 29 at about 10:38 a.m., the blaze necessitated the evacuation of more than 5,000 individuals and destroyed 26 homes and 21 outbuildings, as detailed by Denver7.
While no injuries have been announced the fire's extinguishment brings little solace to those whose homes were reduced to ash, and the Larimer County Assessor’s Office reports that in addition to the homes lost, at least four others sustained damage. Firefighters will maintain their vigil over the burn area, which lies primarily on U.S. Forest Service land as the Burned Area Emergency Response team carries on its assessment of potential mudslide and flash flooding risks according to The Colorado Sun.
A comprehensive recovery phase is now in order, remarked Acting Forest Supervisor Chad Stewart, expressing gratitude toward the numerous agencies and community members for their collective efforts throughout this crisis, the cooperation has been significant between local partners, fire personnel, and agencies in both the firefighting and post-fire recovery stages, showing inspiring community solidarity in the face of disaster.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be human-caused. Anyone with possible information about the start of the fire is asked to call the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line at 303-275-5266, as detailed by 9News.
