100+ acre wildfire in Larimer County now 95 percent contained; evacuations lifted

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) - On Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service reported a wildfire burning in northern Colorado was almost completely contained.

Officials announced Sunday night that the Pearl Fire was now 95 percent contained.

The wildfire was reported late in the morning on Sept. 16 by numerous residents who were seeing smoke about 5 miles northwest of Red Feather Lakes in the northern part of the county. Evacuations were ordered less than two and a half hours later for people in the Crystal Lakes area up to the state line.

All previous evacuation orders were lifted, and the Larimer Sheriff’s Office said on Saturday that normal activities could continue in the area.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the last acreage update on Friday night said the fire stayed consistent at 128 acres with no new growth.

Officials said smoke and flames may still be visible from the interior of the fire, and on Sunday, their crews ensured there was no heat at or near the control lines.

The sheriff’s office said it determined the fire was human-caused and began on private property. Deputies contacted the person involved and are continuing an investigation.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis originally issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency and said he authorized the activation of the National Guard among other resources to assist if the Department of Public Safety believes it is necessary.

The sheriff’s office said an overnight evacuation shelter was open at Cache La Poudre Middle School at 3515 CR 54G, Laporte.

A large animal evacuation center was open at The Ranch at 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, but the sheriff’s office said they chose to close this location on Wednesday due to a lack of need. Assistance with large animals is still available to those who may need it.

Call the JIC at 970-980-2500 for info about evacuations and community resources.