Alexander Mountain Fire

Originally Posted July 29, 2024 (edited numerous times since then)

On Monday, July 29, 2024, the residents along Colorado’s Front Range woke up to a large plume of smoke to the west. The fire, labeled the Alexander Mountain Fire, started roughly 7 miles from our house. That’s way too close for comfort! Highway 34, our route to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, was closed immediately.

A day later,  the Stone Mountain Fire was recorded at nearby Lyons, CO.

The initial threat to the Loveland area was real. Some residents on the west side of Loveland began initial packing in case the winds changed. Luckily, the wildfire began tracking up the mountain and canyons. The Loveland threat was greatly reduced and we could breath a collective sigh of relief. Many homes and structures up the canyon are at risk, however.

The photos in the gallery below were taken on the first day when the danger felt most severe and when I could be close enough for decent photos. You might call it a “spectator event” with cars parked along the side of the roads and onlookers at any good vantage point.