Alexander Mountain Fire spreads to over 5,000 acres with 0% containment: See map
A fast-moving wildfire in north central Colorado has spread more than 5,000 acres, forcing mandatory evacuations and drawing support from multiple fire agencies across the state.
The Alexander Mountain Fire, which broke out Monday, was still growing to the west of Loveland on Tuesday with 0% containment, The Larimer County Sheriff's Office reported.
The blaze spread to 5,080 acres as of 7 p.m., becoming five-times larger than it was Tuesday morning, according to mapping done by a multi-mission aircraft.
The U.S. Forest Service reported the fire was burning in the Roosevelt National Forest, about 108 miles northwest of Denver. On Tuesday morning, the federal agency reported it estimated the fire to be at 992 acres.
"Fire crept slowly downhill overnight with no major runs, the U.S. Forest Service posted on X. "More information will be shared following morning command staff briefings."
Initially, the sheriff's office reported the fire had burned 339 acres.
Officials to focus on U.S. 34 corridor Wednesday
On Wednesday, firefighters will dedicate their efforts on the northwest perimeter and the U.S. Highway 34 corridor, the National Forest Service said.
Over 270 firefighters were deployed on the ground and multiple air resources dropped water and fire retardant as officials worked toward securing the fire's perimeter and preserving critical infrastructure.
However, efforts were complicated by conditions suchas dry fuels, high temperatures and low humidity, which will likely continue through the week, along with slight chance of rain over the weekend.
Horsetooth Reservoir closed to boating, water recreation
Horsetooth Reservoir, a popular summer recreational spot in southern Larimer County, was closed to boating Tuesday and "all forms of water recreation" to assist the wildfire response and helicopter water fills, the county's Department of Natural Resources posted on X.
The closure remained in place until further notice," the agency wrote.
Flames 'right by our front door': Wildfires rage across western US
Colorado fire map
Evacuations still mandatory for Alexander Mountain Fire
The Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority reported evacuations − previously voluntary − were mandatory as of Tuesday.
Evacuation centers have been set up on either side of the fire.
For up-to-date information visit https://www.nocoalert.org.
Contributing: Sady Swanson, Fort Collins Coloradoan
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Anthony Robledo is a trending reporter for Paste BN. Reach him at arobledo@usatoday.com and follow him om X @anthonyarobledo.