LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — Investigators said on Friday they have determined the Alexander Mountain Fire was human-caused.
The wildfire started burning in Larimer County, just west of Loveland, on July 29. As of Friday, the fire has burned 9,668 acres and is currently 91% contained.
Officials confirmed that a total of 51 structures were affected: 26 homes lost and four others damaged, and 21 outbuildings destroyed. Only minor injuries have been reported.
This is an active, ongoing investigation, and investigators from The U.S. Forest Service and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office are working together to follow all leads. Anyone with information about the start of the fire is asked to call the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip line at 303-275-5266.
Investigators are particularly interested in information about anyone who was in the area immediately east and below the peak of Alexander Mountain, photos of the fire between 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. on July 29, 2024, and information from anyone who spends time in the Alexander Mountain area.
Photos, videos and typed statements can be uploaded here.
On Wednesday, all mandatory evacuations due to the fire were lifted.
People who live in the Cedar Park and Storm Mountain communities were placed under voluntary evacuation notices. Residents returning home to those areas will be required to provide credentials at entry checkpoints. Information on obtaining credentials is available on Larimer County's website.
Lori Hodges, director of emergency management for Larimer County, said a disaster assistance center will be set up 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the Larimer County Conference Center at the Ranch Events Complex. The center will provide resources and assistance for people impacted by the fire.
> A family's cabin was reduced to ashes after the Alexander Mountain Fire: