Official: Larimer Co. fire human-caused; now 925 acres
Official: Larimer Co. fire human-caused; now 925 acres
14 September 2010
published by www.kwgn.com
USA: LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. – A homeowner burning leaves and branches caused a wildfire that has now charred 925 acres in the foothills west of Loveland, officials said Monday.
The Reservoir Road Fire, which has destroyed two homes and several outbuildings, began Sunday morning in a sparsely populated area of Larimer County between Pinewood and Flatiron Reservoirs.
It was 20 to 25 percent contained as of Monday evening.
“The fire is not as active as it was 24 hours ago. However, it is still very active,” said Merlin Green of Loveland Fire and Rescue. “We still have high temperatures and low humidity, so the weather is not in our favor.”
Green released addresses for the two homes that have been destroyed to-date. They were located at 1497 Turkey Rock Trail and 1784 James Park Trail.
He said numerous automobiles and trailers had also been lost.
More than 100 firefighters from 16 agencies were battling the blaze with the assistance of 4 large air tankers and three helicopters. Green said the fire was moving to the north-northwest.
No injuries have been reported.
“We are making progress” Green said.”Its slow progress, but we are making progress.”
Approximately 200 structures were within the evacuation perimeter, which extended for a four-mile radius around Pinewood Reservoir. Green said evacuees would not be allowed to return Monday.
In an otherwise quiet neighborhood, the sights and sounds of helicopters are a welcoming sight.
“(The fire) grew from such a little thing to a monster,” said PJ Dipentino, an evacuee.
“It’s relieving to know where the fire is now,” said Carol Theirgaard, who was also forced from her home.
*Call 2-1-1 in Larimer County to donate non-food items for fire victims.
* United Way has established a number for evacuees or family members wishing to make contact – call locally 211 or dial 1-866-485-0211.
* For official updates call 970-498-5500.
* A meeting place for residents who have been evacuated was established at the Church of Loveland, 3835 SW 14th St.
* Residents needing shelter for large animals should call the Larimer County Humane Society at 970-226-3647.
