LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders, issued Wednesday morning in response to the Cougar Run Fire, have been lifted in Larimer County.
At 6:53 a.m. Wednesday, people south of Carter Lake were instructed to leave immediately to ensure their safety after the Loveland Emergency Communications Center received a report of a wildfire near Cougar Run Lane in Berthoud. A voluntary evacuation order was also issued for residents in the area of Blue Mountain and Spring Valley, west of Carter Lake. They have since been allowed to return.
The Cougar Run fire burned an estimated 3.5 acres, according to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. It was originally projected to be 10 acres in size, but was deemed 100% contained by 10 a.m.
No structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported, a spokesperson for the sheriff's said in a news release later Wednesday.
Officials said the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control had recently conducted fuels reduction treatments in the area, which included the use of an air curtain burner (a semi-enclosed firebox designed for disposing of slash and debris). While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary findings by sheriff's investigators indicate the fire may have been caused by an ember escaping the box overnight.
"We're extremely fortunate to have regional partners who spring into action and work together seamlessly in service to our community," said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen. "Fire season is already off to a busy start. We'll continue training together, learning from each incident, and working hard to keep Larimer County safe."
In all, 1,783 contacts (not homes or individuals) received notifications in the evacuation zones, the sheriff's spokesperson said.
Boat operations returned to normal at the south shore following containment of the blaze, according to Larimer County Natural Resources, with the ramp reopening after closing for several hours.
The Sundance Trail is also accessible again. Visitors may resume regular recreation including boating, paddling, fishing hiking and day use, Larimer County Natural Resources said.
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