Artist Point off of Realization Point and the Boy Scout Trail will be closed for the remainder of today to allow crews to continue suppression work and ensure the area is safe for public access.

BOULDER, Colo. – Boulder Fire-Rescue wildland firefighters remain at Artist Point today as they continue mop-up operations following a one-acre wildfire reported on Tuesday night.

Around 8:40 p.m., local residents began calling dispatch to report flames on the Flatirons. Boulder Fire-Rescue and partner agencies were quickly deployed to locate the fire and determine the best access point for wildland crews. The fire grew to about 1 acre in size. No injuries were reported and no structures were threatened.

The response to this fire demonstrates the value of mutual aid and collaboration. Within an hour, Open Space and Mountain Parks rangers located the fire near Realization Point. Wildland firefighters, practiced in navigating steep, rugged terrain, immediately began extinguishment efforts and constructing a fire line to secure the area. Working in the dark on rocky slopes, crews carried more than 50 pounds of gear while hiking terrain that is considered moderately challenging even during the day. Their skill and endurance allowed them to overcome difficult conditions and contain the fire.

Around 1 a.m. on Nov. 19, incident command declared the fire fully contained. By 3 a.m. most crews were released from the area with a smaller number of firefighters staying overnight to patrol for hotspots and continue mop up work.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though natural causes and electrical infrastructure have been ruled out. Artist Point off of Realization Point and the Boy Scout Trail will be closed for the remainder of today to allow crews to continue suppression work and ensure the area is safe for public access.

The City of Boulder is incredibly grateful for the following organizations who responded, with Boulder Fire-Rescue, to this wildfire: Sugarloaf Fire, Boulder Emergency Squad and drone team, Fourmile Fire, Sunshine Canyon Fire, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and Open Space and Mountain Parks rangers.

Wildland firefighters train year-round for incidents like these, staying vigilant and moving safely to protect the Boulder community and Open Spaces.

How can I stay informed about wildfires?
Community members can sign up for emergency alerts at BoulderODM.gov or by texting BoCoInfo to 888777. Follow Boulder Fire-Rescue on Facebook, X, or Instagram for updates or visit the city’s Public Safety Updates Webpage at bouldercolorado.gov/public-safety-updates.

Learn more about how our community is partnering together in creating a more fire resilient Boulder at bouldercolorado.gov/WildfireReady.

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