Bathroom Ceiling Fan Ignites Attic Fire in Fort Collins Home
Poudre Fire Authority crews extinguished an attic fire that began in a bathroom ceiling fan during the early morning hours of November 14 at a residence on Dundee Court in Fort Collins.
Engine 3 arrived at the scene at 4:30 a.m., six minutes after receiving the initial dispatch at 4:24 a.m., and found fire actively burning in the attic. The homeowner detected smoke filling the residence and evacuated safely with her dog before firefighters arrived.
Crews quickly deployed a hose line and extinguished the blaze, which had started in a bathroom ceiling fan. Firefighters confirmed all occupants had exited the home and conducted a systematic search to ensure no one remained inside.
The incident required nearly two hours of work as firefighters removed smoke and fire debris from the structure. Crews cleared the scene at 6:05 a.m. after ensuring all hot spots were extinguished and the home was safe.
No injuries were reported.
Electrical Malfunctions Drive Majority of Attic Fires
Electrical malfunction is the leading cause of residential attic fires nationwide, accounting for 43 percent of incidents, according to fire research data. Electrical arcing represents the most common specific heat source at 37 percent.
Bathroom exhaust fans introduce fire risks when installed improperly or when maintenance is neglected. Direct contact between insulation and non-rated ceiling fixtures can cause heat buildup that ignites combustible materials. Accumulated dust and lint on motors or electrical components can also ignite when fans overheat or experience electrical faults.
While attic fires account for less than 10 percent of all residential fires, they rank among the most destructive incidents. Approximately 10,000 attic fire incidents occur annually nationwide, with electrical fires more frequent in older homes.
Fire Danger Remains High Across Northern Colorado
The incident occurred during a period when fire danger remains elevated across Larimer County. Poudre Fire Authority extinguished a quarter-acre brush fire along the Poudre River Trail on November 13, requiring a second alarm response to access difficult terrain.
The combination of cured vegetation, below-average precipitation and occasional windy conditions creates an environment where fires can spread rapidly both outdoors and within structures.
PFA fought a house fire for more than two and a half hours on November 8 in south Fort Collins, requiring additional resources to search the home and extinguish hidden hot spots throughout the residence.
Poudre Fire Authority serves approximately 235 square miles across Fort Collins, Timnath, LaPorte, Bellvue and surrounding areas in Larimer and Weld counties. The authority operates 13 fire stations and employs 248 full-time staff including 207 uniformed firefighters.
Contact Poudre Fire Authority at 970-226-0800 for information about fire safety and prevention programs.