Monica LaSalle, Nederland. On July 10, 2020, the long awaited press release pertaining to the investigation of the house explosion that occurred on the evening of Friday, July 3, 2020, came from the Nederland Town Hall.

Since the explosion, multiple agencies have responded to assist Nederland Police in investigating at the property on Lower Alpine Drive, which is in the Big Springs area. The investigating team includes the Nederland Police Department, Nederland Fire Protection District, and the Boulder County Regional Bomb Squad. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office as well as other federal agencies are also assisting in the investigation. 

During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered homemade explosives and pyrotechnic devices. Some of these explosives were deemed too dangerous to transport and were detonated on location. The Everbridge Notification system was employed to notify all who use this system of the detonations. Multiple messages were sent out during the past week listing brief instructions for residents either living or traveling in the area as well as approximate hours to expect the disruption. Messages such as, “This is the Nederland Police Department Emergency Notification System. At 16:42:51 on 07-10-2020, an Advisory has been issued for the area(s) of ALPINE DR due to an ADDITIONAL CONTROLLED EXPLOSION will occur within the next 30 minutes to 1 hour. INFORMATIONAL ONLY - NO ACTION REQUIRED. This will be the last detonation for the weekend. Unknown if there will be more next week,” were sent out from Boulder County in an effort to keep residents informed. 

Town officials and law enforcement recognize that these detonations may have been unsettling and wish to reassure members of the Nederland community that the detonations were both necessary and carried out with the utmost care. Community safety has been, and will remain, the top priority. 

Law enforcement has safely destroyed the majority of the explosives and pyrotechnic devices identified thus far. The Colorado Rangers have been invaluable in their assistance in securing the crime scene. The investigation remains ongoing with more explosives being discovered along the way. Due to the nature of the investigation, law enforcement cannot share additional details at this time. 

The Nederland Town Marshall, Town Administrator, and Mayor wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated first responders who have worked long and difficult hours to keep Nederland safe. They have been in constant communication with law enforcement, and will release additional details as permitted by the ongoing investigation.

For additional information please contact Town Hall at 303.258.3266 ext. 1010.