Neighbor's Quick Action Prevents Greater Damage in Northeast Fort Collins Garage Fire
Poudre Fire Authority firefighters extinguished a garage fire November 24 in the 2500 block of Ridgecrest Road in northeast Fort Collins after a neighbor noticed smoke and alerted residents and emergency services.
The neighbor's rapid response likely prevented injuries and more extensive property damage. Two people and a dog were inside the residence when the neighbor knocked on the door after calling 911. Both occupants evacuated safely before firefighters arrived, but their dog Davis remained trapped inside the attached garage.
Firefighters deployed hose lines to attack the flames while Tower 1 crew members conducted a search operation. The crew located Davis and moved him to safety before reuniting him with his owner.
The fire remained contained to the garage and did not extend into the main living area of the home. Some smoke entered the residence, requiring firefighters to ventilate the structure before clearing the scene.
No injuries were reported. PFA fire investigators remained on scene to determine the cause of the fire, which is under investigation.
Attached Garages Present Elevated Fire Risk
Attached garages pose significantly greater fire safety risks than detached structures because flames and smoke can spread rapidly into living spaces through shared walls, ceilings or unsealed utility penetrations, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Fire and toxic smoke can migrate through attic spaces and walls connecting garages to homes, threatening occupant safety and increasing property damage. When bedrooms are located above or adjacent to garages, fire and smoke can compromise escape routes within minutes.
According to NFPA research, approximately 3 percent of home fires start in garages. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control identifies common garage fire causes including improper storage of flammable liquids such as gasoline or paint, vehicle or equipment malfunction, electrical faults and improper use or storage of fireworks.
Poudre Fire Authority responded to a 2019 garage fire in Fort Collins caused by stored fireworks that resulted in over $150,000 in damage.
Fire Code Requires Separation Between Garages and Living Spaces
Colorado jurisdictions adopt the International Residential Code, which mandates specific fire-resistance standards for attached garages to slow fire spread and protect occupants.
Walls and ceilings separating attached garages from living spaces must have at least half-inch gypsum board on the garage side. Ceilings below habitable rooms must use at least five-eighths-inch Type X fire-rated gypsum board.
Doors connecting garages to residences must be solid wood or steel at least 1-3/8 inches thick or have a 20-minute fire rating. Building codes prohibit direct openings from garages into rooms used for sleeping.
These requirements are designed to contain fire within the garage long enough to allow occupant escape and fire department response.
Poudre Fire Authority Covers 235 Square Miles
Poudre Fire Authority provides fire protection, emergency medical services and rescue operations across approximately 235 square miles including the City of Fort Collins, Town of Timnath, Bellvue and LaPorte, with boundaries extending several miles into Weld County.
The 2500 block of Ridgecrest Road falls within PFA's service territory in northeast Fort Collins near Terry Lake.
PFA is an intergovernmental fire protection authority jointly established by the City of Fort Collins and the Poudre Valley Fire Protection District. The agency is governed by a five-member Board of Directors with representatives from both entities and funded through municipal appropriations, property taxes, grants and service fees.
In 2024, PFA responded to over 25,000 incidents, with 378 categorized as fires. The department maintains multiple fire stations housing engine companies, ladder trucks, wildland units and technical rescue capabilities, with annual training exceeding 44,000 hours across staff.
Standard Fire Response Includes Search and Rescue
PFA dispatches multiple engines, a ladder truck, battalion chief and ambulances to reported structure fires. First arriving companies conduct immediate size-up, establish water supply and deploy attack lines.
Second companies focus on search-and-rescue operations, ventilation and securing utilities. Additional companies stand by for rapid intervention if firefighters become trapped and provide support functions.
Search-and-rescue operations are prioritized when reports or indications suggest occupants may be inside. Entry teams use thermal imaging cameras and follow a two-in, two-out safety policy during interior operations.
Colorado law requires residences to have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
Poudre Fire Authority offers free or low-cost risk reduction services and fire safety education, including smoke alarm installation for qualifying households. Homeowners can request fire safety inspections to check for code compliance and identify potential hazards.