Weather Wire

Colorado fires burn 6,000 acres; destroys at least 500 homes

Last Update

Colorado officials are calling it a miracle that no deaths have been reported from fires fueled by more than 100 mph winds that swept through Boulder County in a matter of hours.

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President Biden approves Colorado disaster declaration

President Biden approved Colorado’s request that Boulder County be declared a major disaster. The declaration makes federal funding available for state and local recovery efforts.

Posted by Andrew Wulfeck

VIDEO: Recovery effort expected to be slow

Posted by Andrew Wulfeck

Insurance information for fire victims

The Colorado Division of Insurance says it is ready to help fire victims get started on insurance claims.

“This is a large disaster and the impact to many people will be felt for months. The Division expects insurance companies to honor the promises they have made to Coloradans and provide whatever assistance is possible,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway.

Consumer service team contact: 303-894-7490 or 800-930-3745 

More information: CLICK HERE

Posted by Andrew Wulfeck

VIDEO: Buildings burn in Superior, Colorado

Video released by firefighters showed what the conditions first responders encountered on Thursday.

Posted by Andrew Wulfeck
Breaking News

Officials: No downed powerlines found so far in investigation

Boulder Emergency Management says an investigation into the ignition of the grassfires has found no downed powerlines, as was initially thought to be the trigging mechanism.

Xcel Energy says they inspected all of the electric lines in the ignition area and found no downed powerlines.

The investigation by multiple agencies continues.

Posted by Andrew Wulfeck

How to help fire recovery efforts

The Boulder Office of Emergency Management has resources on its website for people who wish to help the communities and first responders impacted by the Marshall Fire. Volunteers, donations and funds are needed.

Officials are asking good Samaritans not to self-deploy to the burn zone because it's still dangerous.

Posted by Emilee Speck

More than 15K customers without electricity

Thousands of customers near Boulder, Colorado are without natural gas and electric services.

Posted by Andrew Wulfeck

President Biden calls Colorado governor

President Joe Biden spoke Friday morning with Colorado Governor Jared Polis to discuss the no-notice wildfires that caused significant property damage and loss in the state.

Polis described the impacts and the need for additional federal support, and Biden assured him that every effort will be made to provide immediate help to people in the impacted communities.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and her team are already working with their counterparts in Colorado to surge assistance.

Biden said he was grateful to all of the first responders who have come to the aid of Colorado communities and families impacted by the fires.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

'This was a disaster in fast motion all over the course of half a day'

Colorado officials are calling it a miracle that no deaths have been reported from the grassland fire fueled by more than 100 mph winds that swept through Boulder County in a matter of hours.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

VIDEO: Aerial footage of Colorado fire damage

Posted by Emilee Speck

Snowstorm will end extreme fire weather conditions near Boulder

Snow began to fall in Boulder, Colorado, on Friday morning, which was a welcome sight to firefighters working hard to extinguish the Marshall and Middle Fork fires southeast of the city.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz
Breaking News

WATCH: Officials provide Boulder fire update

Boulder County emergency management officials held a briefing at 10 a.m. ( Noon ET) on the Marshall Fire. The fast-moving fire has burned at least 600 homes, as well as area businesses.

Watch a replay in the YouTube video player above.

Posted by Emilee Speck

No loss of life; cause of fire still believed to be power lines

Boulder County Sheriff Pelle said there are still no reports of casualties from the fire. One person reported missing Thursday was found and alive.

The cause of the fire is still believed to be downed power lines knocked down by the high winds but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Satellite images show extent of devastating wildfires

Maxar satellite images reveal what Superior, Colorado, neighborhoods looked like before and during Thursday's devastating wildfires. 

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Over 2,000 homes in burn area, at least 500 gone

It devastated neighbors but left others next door still standing.

- Sheriff Joe Pelle

Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said there are at least 2,000 in the Marshall Fire burn area but not all structures were destroyed. At least 500 homes are gone but the wind caused an unusual burn pattern skipping one home and jumping to another.

The final damage numbers won't be in until later Friday or Saturday.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Snow is falling in Boulder

A day after the historic and devastating fires around Boulder, Colorado, it is now snowing. Up to 6 inches of snow is expected to fall through Saturday.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Colorado governor inspects damage caused by Marshall, Middle Fork fires

Colorado Governor Jared Polis inspected the damage caused by the Marshall and Middle Fork fires.

"This is a tragedy and the emergency is not over. We will work together to support Coloradans affected by this devastating fire," Polis said.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Additional fire crews arrive at Marshall Fire to assist

Seven engines with South Metro Fire Rescue in Centennial, Colorado, worked overnight at the Marshall Fire and returned to the district safely Friday morning. An additional five engines and fresh crews returned Friday morning to assist, along with many neighboring fire crews.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Sunrise reveals scorched earth in Colorado after damaging fires

Thomas Quay Williams recorded this footage near Boulder, Colorado, the morning after wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes and led thousands to evacuate. Around 35,000 people were evacuated and approximately 600 houses were destroyed. The Marshall Fire was an estimated 1,600 acres in size by Thursday afternoon, with Colorado Gov Jared Polis declaring a state of emergency.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

VIDEO: Firefighters encounter 'fire storm' in Boulder

Video shared by the West Metro Fire Department shows the intensity of the Boulder "fire storm" fueled by wind.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Travel in and out of Boulder limited

U.S. 36 remains closed in both directions. First responders are asking people to stay out of the area.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Woman describes fleeing Marshall Fire

A.J. Lauer and her family quickly packed up their belongings and fled their Superior, Colorado, home to get away from the looming fire danger.

Lauer and her family evacuated to a friend’s house just southwest of their home, which she hoped survived the fire.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Evacuees can request animal rescues

Thousands fled the Marshall Fire as it rapidly spread Thursday, potentially leaving behind pets and other animals. The Boulder OEM has an online form for residents to fill out if they would like first responders to attempt to look for their animals.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Air quality advisory for Boulder communities until noon

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory until noon because of the smoke. The advisory includes Broomfield, and southeastern Boulder communities including Louisville, Superior, and Lafayette.

Incoming snow showers should help decrease the smoke later on Friday.

Posted by Emilee Speck

PHOTO: Tesla dealership in Superior destroyed by fire

Many businesses were destroyed by the Marshall fire, including the Tesla dealership on Marshall Road.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Town of Superior remains in evacuation status

The town of Superior remains in evacuation status. No one is currently allowed to return to the town. Residents are instructed to stay away until further instructions are given by the Boulder Office of Emergency Management.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Boulder Valley School District believes its buildings were not touched by the fires

Boulder Valley School District said in a tweet that it hasn't yet been able to visit any of its buildings, but security camera footage suggests none of them were touched by the fires.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Residents instructed not to return to areas in evacuation zones

The Boulder Office of Emergency Management is instructing residents who evacuated or have property in evacuation zones not to return to the area.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Other Colorado fire departments deploy a strike team to Boulder County

Pueblo City fire, Beulah fire, Pueblo West fire and Rural fire have all joined resources and are deploying a strike team to Boulder County. These fire departments are more than 100 miles south of the three active fire locations.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Boulder Valley School District provides updates following Marshall Fire

The school district has created a website where administrators will be providing updates regarding school operations and resources.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Colorado wildfires destroy more than 500 homes

Winds are dying down after fueling large wildfires across Colorado. So far, the wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands of Coloradans to evacuate. FOX News reporter Alicia Acuna joins FOX Weather from Louisville, Colorado, with the very latest on these devastating fires.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Rockies snowstorm to end fire conditions in Colorado

Snow is expected to end the extreme fire weather conditions near Boulder, Colorado, which led to the historic and devastating fires on Thursday. As much as 8-12 inches of snow is expected to fall in the Boulder area, and 3-6 inches is expected in Denver which will be the region's largest snow of the season.

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

Dramatic scene in Boulder as shoppers race to evacuate from Costco

Posted by Chris Oberholtz

4 to 8 inches of snow to blanket fire-ravaged area

The National Weather Service office in Boulder, Colorado, is forecasting 4 to 8 inches of snow for the fire-ravaged area. Snow is expected to begin Friday afternoon and continue into Saturday. The snow will end the extreme fire weather conditions that fueled the historic and devastating fires.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Media briefing scheduled for 10 a.m. Mountain time Friday

The Boulder Office of Emergency Management will be holding its next media briefing at 10 a.m. Mountain time Friday from the Boulder County Sheriff's Headquarters. The live stream can be viewed on its Facebook page.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Record dryness fueled the fires

The National Weather Service office in Boulder, Colorado, noted that for much of the second half of 2021, the area has been the driest on record by more than 1 inch. Snowfall has also been at record-low levels so far this season.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Broomfield residents allowed to return home

Broomfield Police lifted all mandatory evacuation orders and pre-evacuation orders for Broomfield, Colorado. Residents who evacuated are now allowed to return home, and those on pre-evacuation orders are no longer required to standby.

Posted by Brian Donegan

Inmates evacuated in Broomfield

Inmates at the Broomfield Detention Center were moved to another facility after they were put in a mandatory evacuation zone.

Broomfield police report that all inmates have been evacuated and are safe.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Westminster residents allowed to return home

Posted by Scott Sistek

Other Colorado communities will see rolling outages due to Boulder wildfire

Residents in central Colorado will feel the impacts of the Boulder County wildfires.

FOX 31 in Denver reports that Xcel Energy's natural gas infrastructure was impacted Thursday night, so to decrease the strain on the system, the company is putting in place controlled electrical outages in several counties.

Summit, Grand, Lake, Eagle, Saguache, Rio Grande and Alamosa Counties will be impacted through Thursday night.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

NWS radar shows smoke plumes from raging fires

200 frame radar loop from the National Weather Service shows the smoke plume from the Marshall Fire.

Posted by Scott Sistek

Boulder Emergency Call Center closing for the evening, reopening Fri. at 9 a.m. MT

The Boulder County Emergency Call Center is closing at 11:30 p.m. Thursday evening.

The line will reopen again Friday morning at 9.

Non-Boulder County residents are urged to contact their counties with any emergency concerns.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Residents urged to avoid all evacuation zones

Boulder County Emergency managers are asking those who have evacuated to please not return to your homes for the rest of the night:

"If you are a resident who has evacuated or has property in an evacuation zone, please do NOT return to the area. We know that you are concerned about your home and your belongings. First responders are working non-stop to keep everyone safe, even as they don’t know the status of their own homes in the area. No one will be allowed in the evacuated areas overnight. Please be patient as we do our best to protect everyone’s safety. The recovery process will be a long one, but we will get through this together one step at a time."

Posted by Scott Sistek

VIDEO: Police show patrol footage from fire in Superior

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Snow hopeful to help fires

Now that the winds have died down, officials are hopeful that tomorrow's precipitation will also help fight the fires.

Boulder is forecasted to see more than a foot of snow through Saturday.

Snow chances for Boulder begin overnight and last through Saturday afternoon.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

More dramatic scenes from Boulder Police Dept.

Posted by Scott Sistek

Evacuation order expands into city of Westminster

A mandatory evacuation notice was given to residents in the Meadow View neighborhood in Westminster Thursday evening.

The area is located at 107th west of Country Side Drive.

Westminster police notified residents of the new notice just after 8:30 p.m. MT.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

More than 50,000 power outages in Colorado

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

High Wind Warnings have been canceled

High Wind Warnings have all been canceled.

Variable winds will still last throughout the night, but the strongest ones are over, the NWS says.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

VIDEO: Security camera shows wildfire encroaches on home

Home security video shows a fire moving towards a property in Boulder, Colorado.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

VIDEO: Strong winds push wildfire into Colorado neighborhoods

Officials have estimated that nearly 600 homes have burned from Thursday's fires.

Evacuation orders are still in place.

Video shows the fire overtaking neighborhoods in Colorado.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Nearly 600 homes burned in Colorado

At least 580 homes have been burned by fires in Colorado.

Officials said Thursday that as of 5 p.m. MT, the fires have burned 1,600 acres and they feared the many more houses would burn by the time the fire was put out.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann
Breaking News

Broomfield fire evacuation zone expanded

Two apartment complexes, Touchstone and Stonegate, are now under evacuation in Broomfield.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Smoke plume visible from satellite imagery

MODIS Satellite imagery spotted the plume of smoke from the Marshall Fire burning in Colorado.

Posted by Scott Sistek

115 mph peak wind gust recorded

The National Weather Service says they have recorded a peak gust of 115 mph and 107 mph out west of Arvada and along Rocky Flats near Highway 93 and 72.

Posted by Scott Sistek

Overnight shelters open to fire evacuees

According to the Boulder Office of Emergency Management, overnight shelters will be available at the North Boulder Recreation Center, Longmont Senior Center and the YMCA in Lafayette. Cots are on their way and food will be brought in.

Posted by Emilee Speck

At least 200 homes have been burned, Superior mayor says

Mayor of Superior, Colorado, Clint Folsom says that at least 200 homes have been burned in the fires.

"This is devastating for our people,” Folsom said during a press conference on Thursday.

Evacuation orders are still in place for Superior along with surrounding towns.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann
Breaking News

Evacuation order expands into parts of Broomfield

A mandatory evacuation order is now in place for everyone South of U.S. 36 to 112th and West of Wadsworth, including the Interlocken neighborhood of Broomfield. Pre-evacuation orders are in place for surrounding neighborhoods and residents should be prepared to leave.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Downed power lines believed to have caused Boulder fire, sheriff says

Boulder Sheriff Joe Pelle said in a press conference Thursday that they believe downed power lines caused the fire.

He noted that many homes were burned as a result from the fire and evacuation orders are still in place.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Sheriff when talking about weather conditions: "We have a chance tomorrow"

Windy conditions continue in Boulder, but a relief is on the way.

FOX Weather's Wind Gust Forecast shows that winds will gradually die down in the overnight hours.

"None of us have a chance today, but tomorrow we have a chance,” Boulder Sheriff Joe Pelle said in a press conference Thursday.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

National Guard ordered to help fight fire

During a press conference, Boulder Sheriff Joe Pelle said that he ordered members of the National Guard to help with the fire.

"I've ordered a dozen two-person units," Pelle said. "I am hoping they will be here tonight to help with the night shift."

Pelle said that they can use all the help they can get to fight this fire.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Colorado Gov. Polis says that at least 1,600 acres has burned

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a press conference Thursday that the Marshall Fire has burned at least 1,600 acres.

During the press conference, officials also noted that there hasn't been any casualties, but that could change.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann
Breaking News

WATCH LIVE: Boulder officials provide grassfire update

Boulder County Sheriff Pelle provides an update on the Marshall and Middle Fork Fires in Boulder County. Coverage courtesy of KDVR.

Posted by Emilee Speck

North Boulder Rec Center open to evacuees

According to Louisville police, the South Boulder Recreation Center is now closed because it has no power. The North Boulder Recreation Center is open to evacuees.

Posted by Emilee Speck

VIDEO: Homes destroyed by grassfires in Colorado

The Marshall Fire in Colorado quickly moved across dry land burning homes and structures in its path.

Posted by Emilee Speck

More than 30,000 without power in Colorado

Winds and the rapid-fire have knocked out power to over 30,000 people in Colorado, including those trying to evacuate.

After receiving reports of power outages delaying evacuees who could not open their garage doors to leave, the Office of Emergency Management reminded people to pull the red emergency handle on garage doors to quickly get out. 

Posted by Emilee Speck

Blasting winds to let up Thursday night

Wind gusts up to 85 mph are complicating the fire fight in Boulder. The NWS Boulder says the winds should let up into the evening.

The situation still remains fluid and residents should remain vigilant.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Highway 36 closed by wildfires

Highway 36 (Boulder Turnpike) is closed in both directions between CO 128 and Colorado Avenue and between Wadsworth and Boulder.

Posted by Hillary Andrews

Video: Smoke moves along Boulder, Colorado road from fire

Watch as smoke from the Marshall Fire in Boulder moves along the roadside.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Power outages forcing evacuation locations to be moved

Due to power outages at South Boulder Recreation Center, the evacuation location is being moved to 3170 Broadway.

Anyone needing evacuation resources can head to NBRC. The East Boulder Community Center will be closed so staff can be redirected to NBRC.

Posted by Heather Brinkmann

Gov. Polis declares state of emergency

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has declared a state of emergency because of the fires near Boulder.

The declaration allows the state to access disaster emergency funds to support the emergency response efforts in Boulder and provide state resources including the use of the Colorado National Guard, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control and activation of the State Emergency Operations Center.

Posted by Steven Yablonski

Boulder PD: Emergency Communications Center being inundated with calls

Boulder police are asking people to stop calling 911 unless there is an actual emergency because the ECC is being inundated with calls.

Posted by Steven Yablonski

Weather radar shows smoke and ash

Smoke and ash from the Boulder area wildfires are so thick, weather radar picked up the plume.

Posted by Hillary Andrews

VIDEO: Grassfires burning near Superior, Colorado

Views from Boulder County, Colorado where crews are fighting multiple grassfires.

Posted by Emilee Speck

MAP: Marshall and Middle Fork fires in Colorado

First responders are battling three fires, two are both part of the Marshall Fire near the South Foothills and Cherryvale and one is the Middle Fork Fire near Route 36 and Middle Fork Road.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Broomfield, CO police issure pre-evacuation orders

Pre-evacuation orders are in place for residents in Broomfield, Colorado, according to police.

Posted by Steven Yablonski

VIDEO: Costco shoppers run from wildfire.

Costco shoppers in Superior, Colorado flee smoke and flames from the wind-whipped wildfire.

Posted by Hillary Andrews

Denver International under ground stop due to wind

A ground stop has been issued for the Denver International Airport due to high winds. Delays are at 40 minutes and increasing.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Incoming snow could provide some fire relief

The NWS in Boulder says the snow expected Friday could help with the ongoing fire threat amid dry and windy conditions.

Posted by Emilee Speck
Breaking News

Fire evacuations expanded to Louisville, Colorado

The fire evacuations now include the towns of Louisville and Superior.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Evacuation site opened in Lafayette, Colorado

The Boulder OEM says a new evacuation site has been opened for residents. The new site is at the YMCA of Northern Colorado at 2800 Dagny Way.

Posted by Steven Yablonski

VIDEO: Smoke from Boulder-area fire

A view from Broomfield of the fire smoke near the Flatirons Mall.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Colorado Governor: All aircraft grounded

Posted by Emilee Speck

High wind warning, elevated fire weather continues into Thursday night

According to NOAA's National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, there are elevated fire weather conditions Thursday afternoon in the central to southern High Plains. This includes eastern Colorado, eastern New Mexico and West Texas. A high wind warning is in effect until 11 p.m.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Multiple road closures in Boulder County

The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed multiple roads due to crashes caused by high winds and due to the fire threat.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Town of Superior, Colorado under evacuation order

The town of Superior, in Boulder County, is being ordered to evacuate due to multiple fast-moving grassfires in the area. Evacuation points are at Lafayette YMCA and the South Boulder Recreation Center.

Posted by Emilee Speck

Boulder OEM: If you see fire, evacuate

Posted by Emilee Speck

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