By Blaine Howerton | North Forty News
Extreme Fire Danger Sparks Fast-Moving Wildfire Near Berthoud
As Red Flag Warnings persist across Northern Colorado, fire crews responded to a fast-moving grass fire west of Berthoud on March 17, 2025, prompting evacuations and emergency alerts.
Evacuations & Emergency Response
The wildfire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, quickly spread through the area. Residents on Malibu Drive and Sherman Drive were initially advised to evacuate immediately, while a voluntary evacuation was issued for:
📍 5300 W County Road 8E, Berthoud
📍 N County Road 23 to Highway 287
📍 42nd St SW to W County Road 8
📍 Lonetree Reservoir & Welch Reservoir
As fire crews worked to contain the blaze, residents were asked to stay alert and be prepared to leave if conditions worsened.
Fire Fully Contained, Evacuations Lifted
At 3:40 PM, Berthoud Fire Protection District confirmed the wildfire was 100% contained, with evacuations officially lifted by 4:01 PM. While the immediate danger has passed, residents will continue to see emergency personnel in the area as crews conduct mop-up operations and monitor for hotspots.
For real-time emergency alerts, residents can check NoCoAlert.org or text LCEVAC to 888777.
Ongoing Fire Risks: Stay Vigilant
Despite this fire’s containment, officials warn that Red Flag Warnings remain in place, with:
🔥 Relative humidity dropping as low as 5-10%
🔥 Wind gusts up to 30 mph
🔥 Ongoing dry conditions creating rapid fire spread risks
To prevent additional fires, residents are urged to:
🚫 Avoid all open burning between 11 AM – 7 PM
🚫 Refrain from using power tools near dry vegetation
🚫 Dispose of cigarettes properly—never throw them from a vehicle
Stay Prepared & Stay Informed
With dry conditions expected to continue, residents should stay alert for fire weather warnings and be prepared for potential wildfire threats. North Forty News will continue to monitor and provide updates on fire conditions across Northern Colorado.
For the latest wildfire news, visit northfortynews.com.