Wildfire near Colorado city expands to over 1,800 acres, triggers mandatory evacuations

A wildfire near Loveland, Colorado, has grown to over 1,800 acres as of Tuesday morning, prompting additional mandatory evacuation orders and creating a visible column of smoke seen from miles away, according to the US Forest Service.

The Alexander Mountain Fire has more than doubled in size since Monday and is located about a dozen miles (19 kilometers) west of Loveland, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains.

Over 200 responders are currently battling the blaze, with helicopters and planes providing aerial support. More reinforcements are expected to arrive, according to Mike Smith, the incident commander. In a Tuesday video briefing, Smith spoke against a backdrop of smoke plumes, emphasizing the urgency and scale of the operation.

Loveland, a city with a population of approximately 77,000, lies about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Denver. While the city itself has not yet been subject to evacuations, surrounding areas have been affected.

Adding to the challenges, crews responded Tuesday to another fire south of Alexander Mountain, as reported by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are closely monitoring both fires to protect lives and property.

Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to evacuation orders to ensure their safety. The cause of the Alexander Mountain Fire is currently under investigation.