Poudre Fire Authority reminds residents that dry fall conditions can turn simple yard work into a serious fire risk
FORT COLLINS – A late afternoon wildfire ignited by a lawnmower on October 25 served as a reminder of the dangers of outdoor work during dry conditions. Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) crews were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. to the 600 block of Castle Ridge Court, where flames had spread through trees and a nearby drainage area.
Multiple 911 callers reported a fire behind a home, prompting responses from both structure and brush firefighting units. Station 5 firefighters arrived to find burning leaves, branches, and trees behind a residence. They were assisted by Engine 8 and Brush 8 crews, who quickly contained the fire and extinguished remaining hot spots. All units cleared the scene by 6:43 p.m.
Investigators determined that the fire began after the homeowner mowed and collected leaves, then dumped the clippings in a nearby area. When he returned less than an hour later, the debris pile had caught fire. PFA officials emphasized that while this is a common seasonal practice, it can be hazardous when vegetation is dry…