NCAR Wildfire In Boulder: 19,000 Residents Ordered To Evacuate

BOULDER, CO — Around 19,000 residents were ordered to evacuate Saturday after a wildfire spread in Boulder open space next to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, police said.

The fire had spread to 123 acres by 5:20 p.m., with zero containment, according to authorities.

The University of Colorado Boulder South campus was evacuated just after 3 p.m., CU police said.

A wireless emergency alert was sent to residents' cell phones in the evacuation area, the Boulder Police Department said.

Anyone hiking near the National Center for Atmospheric Research is asked to evacuate immediately, police warned.

Evacuees are welcome at the East Boulder Community Center, at 5660 Sioux Drive, authorities said. Large animals can be taken to the Boulder County Fairgrounds, at 9595 Nelson Road.

Eldorado Canyon State Park was also closed, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said.

“Colorado is committed to ensuring our firefighters and first responders are provided with every defense to fight fires, and our emergency response aircraft are already on site helping to rapidly contain the Boulder NCAR fire,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.

“As of this evening, a Single Engine Air Tanker has made eight drops of suppressants and a Type 1 helicopter is providing support through water delivery, suppressants, and supplies, in addition to a Multi-Mission Aircraft providing near real-time intelligence and mapping.

“We’re grateful to emergency response teams for a successful deployment of aircraft and the state continues to support a strong aerial response to protect the safety of communities under evacuation orders.”

As of 7 p.m., no further updates had been released.