Poudre Fire Authority Extinguishes Attic Fire at Fort Collins Memory Care Facility
Firefighters from Poudre Fire Authority extinguished an attic fire at a memory care facility in the 5050 block of South Lemay Avenue on September 16, successfully evacuating 30 residents with no reported injuries during an active lightning storm.
The incident occurred as hail and lightning struck the Fort Collins area, forcing crews to navigate challenging weather conditions while responding to smoke visible from the facility's roof. Staff at the memory care facility evacuated all 30 residents and relocated them to another wing of the building as a precautionary measure.
"This facility has a complex roof line and we were dealing with a continuing lightning storm," said the incident commander. "We had to pull people off because of the storm and then reorient to search from the inside."
The fire was contained to a small area in the peak of the attic, with damage primarily limited to the upper and exterior portions of the roof. Firefighters confirmed the fire did not extend into walls or ceiling areas beyond the initial location.
Memory care facilities in Colorado face strict fire safety requirements as licensed assisted living residences under state regulation. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, these facilities must maintain automatic fire sprinkler systems, comprehensive fire alarm and detection systems meeting National Fire Protection Association standards, and detailed emergency evacuation procedures specifically designed for residents with cognitive impairments.
The facility's response demonstrated standard protocols for memory care emergencies, which require staff to account for all residents during evacuations and provide alternative accommodation within the building when possible. Colorado regulations mandate that memory care facilities conduct regular fire evacuation drills and maintain specialized staff training for working with residents who may not understand alarm signals or evacuation instructions due to dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Lightning storms create additional operational challenges for fire departments, requiring modified response procedures to protect firefighter safety. During active electrical storms, fire crews typically limit rooftop operations and use of aerial equipment while prioritizing interior attack methods over exterior suppression tactics when lightning poses a threat.
Residents were assessed by facility staff to ensure no one had inhaled smoke or required medical attention. Fire crews ventilated affected rooms before allowing residents to return to their original locations.
A fire investigator remained on scene to determine the cause of the blaze, though lightning strikes are commonly investigated as potential ignition sources during severe weather events. The Poudre Fire Authority serves approximately 235 square miles including Fort Collins, Timnath, and surrounding areas of Larimer and Weld counties, responding to emergencies affecting more than 220,000 residents.
The incident highlights the importance of comprehensive emergency preparedness in facilities serving vulnerable populations, particularly during severe weather conditions that can complicate both fire suppression efforts and resident safety protocols.