Wyoming Train Fire Visible from Larimer County Prompts 911 Warning from Sheriff's Office
Larimer County Sheriff's Office issued a public warning September 21 asking residents not to call 911 to report a large fire involving a train that was visible from parts of Larimer County, including Loveland.
The fire is currently being handled by emergency response agencies in Wyoming, according to the sheriff's office Facebook announcement. Larimer County deputies have already checked the local area and confirmed there is no active fire within Larimer County boundaries.
"Please do not call 911 to report this fire," sheriff's officials emphasized in their announcement. "Please do not call 911 unless you have an emergency."
The visibility of the Wyoming incident from Northern Colorado communities is possible due to the elevated and predominantly open terrain of the Front Range, which permits sightlines across the state border under clear atmospheric conditions. Fires and smoke plumes can become visible from distances of 20 to 40 miles, especially when incidents generate large-scale smoke columns that are carried by prevailing wind patterns.
The major transportation corridor running along the Colorado-Wyoming border is the Union Pacific Railroad, which follows north-south freight routes from Denver through Fort Collins, paralleling US Highway 287 and Interstate 25 before entering southern Wyoming near Cheyenne. This rail infrastructure is potentially observable from Loveland, Windsor, and northern Weld County communities, particularly from elevated vantage points.
Cross-border emergency incidents are managed through established mutual aid agreements and intergovernmental cooperation protocols. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office operates under the county's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which enables coordination with neighboring states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact when incidents require resources beyond local capacity.
When reports of fires or emergencies appear to be within their jurisdiction, Larimer County follows structured verification procedures. Initial reports received through dispatch centers prompt collaboration between the Sheriff's Office and fire protection districts to verify location and scope by dispatching units and checking geographic information systems.
The recent extension of Larimer County fire restrictions through September 30 demonstrates ongoing wildfire concerns in the region, with officials citing continued danger despite recent wet weather due to above-normal temperatures, lightning strikes, and dry conditions.
Local emergency responders have been active with wildfire deployments across the region. Larimer County Sheriff's Office wildland firefighters returned home September 19 after spending two weeks battling the Derby Fire near Eagle, Colorado.
For information about active Larimer County emergencies or disasters, residents can call the Emergency Information Line at 970-980-2500. The 911 system should be reserved for actual emergencies requiring immediate response from law enforcement, fire, or medical services.