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ESTES PARK, COLORADO - During a Sunday afternoon briefing, officials provided updates on the Alexander Mountain Fire, detailing significant progress in containment efforts and discussing evacuation protocols.

Fire Status and Progress

Public Information Officer Katie O’Hara from Southwest Area Team 1 opened the briefing, followed by Incident Commander Carl Schopen, who shared encouraging news about the fire. As of the latest update, the fire remains at 9,668 acres with containment now increased to 54%. No new structures have been damaged.

Fire crews tackled challenges in the southwest corner of the fire, successfully putting in containment lines in steep terrain and mopping up today. Schopen commended the crews for their swift and effective work.

Operations Overview

Operations Section Chief Jason Coil highlighted the achievements in specific fire zones. Crews worked extensively in Jug Gulch to control the fire's eastern edge, ensuring containment along Highway 34 to Midway. Efforts on the northern and western perimeters focused on mopping up and securing lines to prevent further spread.

Evacuation and Structural Losses

Larimer County Sheriff John Fon provided updates on structural losses and evacuations. While no lives have been lost and injuries remain minimal, the fire has destroyed 26 residential structures and 21 outbuildings, with an additional four residences sustaining minor damage.

Sheriff Fon acknowledged the community's grief over these losses and assured that affected individuals have been personally notified and offered support.

Due to effective firefighting efforts, several evacuation orders have been lifted. Voluntary evacuation areas are now fully open, and most mandatory evacuation zones have shifted to voluntary. However, hard closures remain at the dam store on Highway 34, above Waltonia Canyon, Cedar Park, and the Storm Mountain area.

Reentry Plans and Credentialing

Starting tomorrow, residents in the lower part of the canyon from the dam store to Idle Wild Lane can return to their homes once power is restored. Residents of the Storm Mountain area must undergo a credentialing process at designated locations in Loveland and Estes Park.

Full reentry for areas with significant structural damage will follow a thorough credentialing process. Residents can access their properties starting Wednesday, provided they have proof of residency.

Weather Forecast and Cleanup Efforts

The weather forecast predicts dry thunderstorms overnight, with potential wetting rain later in the week, which could aid in firefighting efforts.

Officials addressed concerns about property cleanup, confirming that recovery efforts will involve coordinated assistance for affected homeowners. Details regarding these processes will be available through the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management.

Conclusion and Q&A

The briefing concluded with a Q&A session where officials emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts, proper training, and decision-making flexibility in achieving firefighting successes.

For continuous updates and more information, residents can visit larimer.org and follow links related to the Alexander Mountain Fire.