Mandatory Evacuations Ordered as Fast-Moving 8e Fire Threatens Berthoud Area

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – Mandatory evacuations were ordered Monday afternoon for residents as the 8e Fire rapidly spread in northern Colorado, prompting significant safety concerns.

At approximately 1:39 p.m., the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management initiated mandatory evacuations for areas north of Dry Creek Reservoir, particularly for the 5300 block of W. County Road 8E. The fire was reported burning just southwest of Loveland, leading officials to act swiftly to ensure public safety.

NOCO Alert reported that the mandatory evacuation area extends between County Road 23 to County Road 31 and between Homer Road to County Road 6. Authorities additionally recommended residents evacuate immediately to avoid danger.

Voluntary evacuations were also established for residents along Malibu and Shelby Drives, urging community members to collect essential items and prepare for possible emergency relocation.

As of 2:04 p.m., Larimer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that County Road 8E was closed at County Road 23 due to the fire, though there was no estimate for when this roadway might reopen.

A large animal evacuation was arranged at The Ranch Events Complex, located at 5280 Arena Circle in Loveland, to accommodate residents’ pets and livestock needing refuge.

Fire officials from several local districts, including Loveland Fire Protection and Longmont Fire Department, mobilized efforts to battle the advancing blaze. Resource strategies included deploying a Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) as ordered by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to assess and manage the situation.

As flames continued to rise, communication channels remained open for residents seeking updates. Those in the area were urged to text LCEVAC to 888777 for real-time notifications regarding the fire’s status and evacuation guidelines.

While no official estimates regarding the fire’s size or containment were released by 2:47 p.m., community members anxiously monitored the situation. The 8e Fire has underscored the changing dynamics of Colorado’s wildfire season, which now extends significantly beyond traditional norms.