PONDS FIRE FOLLOW UP

Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) personnel are on the scene of the Ponds Fire again today and the fire is completely contained. A PFA fire investigator is conducting an investigation and expect to have a conclusion sometime this weekend. We will share that as soon as information is confirmed.

The fire, on the west edge of Fort Collins in Maxwell Natural Area, burned 8.4 acres yesterday, April 23. The first call came into 911 at 4:42 p.m. crews were dispatched less than a minute later and began arriving on scene at 4:50 p.m.

The fire was upgraded to a third alarm by the incident commander because of the windy conditions and proximity to homes. Brush 7 was assigned to the East Division with the primary objective of stopping the progression toward the nearby neighborhood.

Firefighters from both PFA and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Phantom Canyon crew attacked the fire using special vehicles and hand tools. Air support was ordered and Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) strategically dropped slurry (fire retardant) to aid in the efforts.

The features in the area also provided support. An irrigation ditch, trails and nearby roads helped mitigate the growth of the fire. The fire made it into the backyard of one home but was quickly extinguished.

A wildland firefighter with LCSO sustained burns. They were transported, treated, and thankfully released. No other injuries have been reported.

There were 7,446 voluntary and 898 mandatory evacuations issued. These numbers represent devices registered to receive alerts, not individual people or homes.

Fire fuels have already reached a critical level of dryness this year. This happens every year and is something that PFA and partners are prepared, but this is much earlier than most years.

“This was an incredible display of the partnerships and teamwork we have locally and regionally. We are thankful so many people were able to return home last night. Thank you to the community for all the kind words, support, and especially to those of you who followed alerts,” said Operations Division Chief Brandon Garcia.

A PFA crew will remain at the scene to monitor the area and speak to neighbors until 3:30 this afternoon. 

Learn about how you can support our efforts for fire preparedness as we move into a hot, dry summer here.

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CORRECTION: This post has been corrected to show that there was no involvement by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as stated in the original post. An investigator with a neighboring fire department did join for part of Friday and offered informal support.