FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A grass fire burning in the Fort Collins area prompted mandatory evacuation orders Wednesday as emergency crews responded to the blaze and worked to bring the fire under control.
The fire was reported west of the reservoir near the area between Fort Collins and Timnath. According to local reports, the incident was identified as the Arbee Fire and was burning along Arbee Lane near Stable Drive.
Authorities ordered residents in areas east of Interstate 25 to evacuate as the fire continued to burn. The mandatory evacuation area included portions stretching from East County Road 40 north to East Prospect Road, with the affected area extending east toward South County Road 5.
The fire was reported to be approximately half an acre in size at the time of the initial reports. Emergency crews responded to the scene as officials worked to assess the situation and determine the extent of the threat to nearby residents and property.
Information about the number of homes directly affected by the evacuation order was not immediately available. Officials had also not released a confirmed containment percentage in the initial reports.
The mandatory evacuation order underscores the potential danger posed by rapidly spreading grass fires, particularly during dry and windy conditions. Larimer County officials have warned that wildfire and grass-fire risks remain elevated, with evacuation decisions based on factors including fire behavior, wind, weather conditions, evacuation routes and structures at risk.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as additional information becomes available. Residents in affected areas should follow official evacuation instructions, avoid entering restricted areas and rely on emergency alerts for the latest information.
