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Home » Wildfire Prompts Evacuation of NCAR University Campus in Boulder

Wildfire Prompts Evacuation of NCAR University Campus in Boulder

Last Updated on 13/07/2024 by wccexam Desk

A small wildfire sparked on Friday morning in the southwest quadrant of Boulder, Colorado, near the headquarters of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The fire, known as the Dinosaur Fire, is located near the second switchback of the Mallory Cave Trail, approximately a quarter of a mile west of the NCAR campus. Despite the proximity to the campus, officials do not anticipate any residential evacuations at this time.

The fire has prompted a precautionary evacuation of the NCAR Mesa Lab campus, which is home to over 200 employees. This step was taken as a safety measure to ensure the well-being of the staff and to prevent any potential risks to the facility. The evacuation was necessary due to the proximity of the fire to the campus and the potential for the fire to spread quickly in the dry and hot conditions.

Fire crews from multiple agencies, including Boulder Fire, Boulder Rural Fire, Four Mile Fire, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and Mountain View Fire Rescue, are working together to contain the fire. As of the latest reports, the fire is estimated to be around three to five acres and is slow-moving, with no reported injuries.

The fire is being fought by a combination of ground crews and air assets, including one county helicopter and a couple of planes. The fire is not behaving in a way that is a cause for evacuation concerns at this time, according to officials. However, as a precaution, all trails in the area have been closed, and residents are advised to avoid the general NCAR area.

An air quality health advisory has been issued for the southern portions of Boulder County due to the wildfire smoke. The advisory recommends staying indoors if smoke is thick, especially for those with heart disease, respiratory issues, or young or elderly individuals. The advisory will remain in effect until 9 a.m. on Saturday.

While the cause of the fire has not been determined yet, officials have a rough idea of where it began. The fire is believed to have started on a trail, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause. The community has been reassured that the fire does not appear to be similar to the Marshall Fire, which caused significant damage and evacuations in the area.

The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and cooperation among emergency responders in managing wildfires. The combined efforts of multiple agencies and the precautionary evacuation of the NCAR campus demonstrate the commitment to ensuring public safety and protecting critical facilities in the region.