Alexander Mountain fire: Large wildfire burning near Loveland is in ‘a tough place to fight’

Alexander Mountain fire aircraft
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
A firefighting aircraft approaches the smoke plume of the Alexander Mountain fire on Monday, July 29, 2024, seen from near Masonville. It’s unclear what started the blaze, but it has forced authorities to order the evacuation of nearby residents in the foothills west of Loveland.


ALEXANDER WILDFIRE CLOSES HIGHWAY 34 AT LOVELAND
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Police including the Larimer County Sheriff and the Colorado State Patrol have set up roadblocks to Colorado State Patrol closed Highway 34 and Big Thompson Canyon west of Loveland Wednesday, July 31, 2024, as the Alexander Mountain fire continues to burn, and wildfire smoke hides the Rocky Mountains.
POLIS, NEGUSE, TOUR ALEXANDER MOUNTAIN WILDFIRE OPERATIONS
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, center, Congressman Joe Negus, left, and Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally, right, leave Fire Station 7 in Loveland, headed for a tour of the Alexander Mountain fire, July 31, 2024. Polis is scheduled to lead a news conference after the tour.

Alexander Mountain fire aircraft
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
An American flag blows in the breeze below smoke from the Alexander Mountain fire on Monday, July 29, 2024. It’s unclear what started the blaze, but it has forced authorities to order the evacuation of nearby residents in the foothills west of Loveland.
ALEXANDER WILDFIRE CLOSES HIGHWAY 34 AT LOVELAND
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
On Highway 34 west of Loveland, a local woman who asked to not be named holds ups sign thanking first responders and waves at passing vehicles on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, as the nearby Alexander Mountain fire continues to burn.

ALEXANDER WILDFIRE SMOKE HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
A bicyclist pedals along County Road 23 above Horsetooth Reservoir on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, as the nearby Alexander Mountain fire continues to burn.