Poudre Fire Authority Determines Cause of Ponds Fire Near Fort Collins

Description: Poudre Fire Authority investigators determined the probable cause of the April 23, 2026 Ponds Fire near Fort Collins was a loose power line that sparked and ignited dry vegetation in Maxwell Natural Area.


Published: 05/28/2026
Byline: SECO News

FIRE UPDATE: Cause of Ponds Fire Determined

The Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) fire investigation has concluded that the probable cause of the Ponds Fire was a power line that came loose from its insulator. The loose line contacted another line causing sparks that ignited dry vegetation.
 
The Ponds Fire, on the west edge of Fort Collins in Maxwell Natural Area, burned 8.4 acres on April 23, 2026.
 
Here are PFA's top three recommendations for ways to protect your home against wildfire, especially if you live in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) or more rural area:
 
1. Clean your gutters so embers don't have a flammable place to land on top of your house
 
2. Maintain at least 5 feet of clear space around your home (meaning no mulch or log piles, debris, or storage under decks)
 
3. Install screens over gaps and vents to keep embers out
Not sure if you live in the WUI? Find out your risk here: qrco.de/WildfireRiskMap

See the full news release about the Ponds Fire here: www.poudre-fire.org/Home/Components/News/News/513/17



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