Crews are battling a wildfire in Boulder near the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The NCAR campus has been evacuated, though officials say the Dinosaur Fire is currently not threatening any structures.
Boulder Fire Rescue has brought in crews from across the Front Range to assist, including Mountain View Fire Rescue, Boulder Rural Fire, Left Hand Fire and Fourmile Fire.
Xcel Energy was on standby in case power needed to be shut down to the NCAR campus.
The Boulder Office of Disaster Management called the fire "slow-moving." It started this morning near Mallory Cave Trail. All trails in the area are closed.
As of 2:30 p.m., the fire was about 3.5 acres.
#DinosaurFire Update:
— Boulder Office of Disaster Management (@BoulderOEM) July 12, 2024
As of 2:30 p.m., the fire is estimated at 3.5 acres and remains slow moving. Over 75 firefighters are on scene. Two helicopters are actively dropping water on the fire.
For more information, including maps, visit https://t.co/N2s403JTuf pic.twitter.com/D4StehStJf
The Colorado Department of Public Health has also issued an air quality alert because of smoke from the wildfire. The advisory is in effect from Friday at 1 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Air Quality Health Advisory:
— Boulder Office of Disaster Management (@BoulderOEM) July 12, 2024
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory due to wildfire smoke from #DinosaurFire in southern Boulder County. Advisory stands from Friday, July 12 at 1 p.m. to Saturday, July 13, at 9 a.m. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/6FGhLNBb17
While there are no evacuation orders in place, the Boulder Office of Disaster Management is telling those who need more time or have to transport medical equipment to begin making preparation plans.
To receive text alerts on the fire, text "BOCOinfo" to 888777.
To receive text alerts on the #DinosaurFire, community members can text BOCOinfo to the number 888777. The request only needs to be made once. The service is free, except for any data usage charges that might apply.
— Boulder Office of Disaster Management (@BoulderOEM) July 12, 2024
For live camera views and time lapse views of the area, go to AlertWest.
For maps to track the fire, go to Watch Duty.
This is a breaking news story. More updates will follow.