Dinosaur Fire: Wildland fire near NCAR in Boulder 100% contained

Update, Saturday, July 13: Fire crews said the Dinosaur Fire was 100% contained.

DENVER (KDVR) — Crews began responding Friday to a wildland fire in the open space near the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder.

The Boulder County Officer of Disaster Management named it “Dinosaur Fire” and said it was near the Mallory Cave Trail , west of NCAR at the second switchback. It started at about 11:22 a.m., according to officials.

As of 1:15 p.m., the Boulder agency reported the fire had spread to about 3.5 acres with a slow spread. There was no word on containment.

Over 75 firefighters will continue working overnight to control the fire, the agency reported at about 4:51 p.m.

No evacuation or pre-evacuation notices had been issued for the fire as of Friday afternoon. The agency asked that residents “be aware of your surroundings at all times.”

However, the Boulder Office of Disaster Management issued an advisory for the areas around NCAR because of the wildfire.

The agency encouraged residents who require extra time or have to transport medical equipment to begin making preparation plans and for others to have go-bags ready in case the fire moves toward residences.

The National Science Foundation NCAR Mesa Lab about a quarter mile east of the fire was evacuated. The University of Colorado Boulder said there was no immediate threat to its campus.

The fire has also prompted an air quality health advisory for the Boulder area from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The advisory began at 1 p.m. and is scheduled through 9 a.m. on Saturday.

All trails in the area were closed. Crews reported in an afternoon press conference that the fire may have started on a trail and noted that several Xcel crews were in the area.

As of 12:40 p.m., the Boulder Police Department reported no injuries and said the Dinosaur Fire was not currently behaving in a way that causes concern for possible evacuations. Officials also said during a press conference at about 1:30 p.m. that there are homes downhill from the fire and they do not anticipate needing evacuations.

Dinosaur Fire: Emergency response

A call center was activated for the Dinosaur Fire and can be reached at 303-413-7730. Officials warn that residents should not call 911 unless they are having an emergency. The call center was closed as of 5 p.m., and there was no word on whether it might reopen on Saturday.

To receive text alerts on the Dinosaur Fire, residents can text BOCOinfo to 888777. The request only needs to be made once and the service is free, except for potential data usage charges.

Boulder police asked that the public not call dispatch to report the smoke from the fire.

Weather impacting firefighting crews

Three air assets were deployed to the scene. Because of the extreme heat, fire crews were switching in and out to ensure no firefighters got heat stroke.

Boulder officials warned residents that if smoke is thick, they should stay indoors, especially for individuals with heart disease, respiratory issues or those who are very young or older adults. Officials recommended limiting outdoor activity and considering relocating if it gets smoky inside your home. If visibility is under 5 miles, that air quality is unhealthy.

Although there is high heat and low humidity, winds in Boulder have helped keep the eastward spread of the fire minimal. However, light downslope winds are anticipated to develop throughout the evening, with poor overnight humidity recovery.

On July 1, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office announced Stage 1 fire restrictions for the unincorporated areas of western Boulder County.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.

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