NFPD responds to fire at Caribou Village Shopping Center

Nederland Fire Protection District

NEDERLAND – Nederland Fire Protection District (NFPD) responded to a report of a commercial structure fire located at 20 Lakeview Drive known as the Caribou Village Shopping Center at approximately 3:40AM. The initial call came into dispatch through a deputy with Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.

The first unit to arrive was Command 5650 at 3:48 a.m. at which time it was confirmed the 2nd floor was fully involved and a request to drop second tones and begin evacuations was made. As part of an auto-aid agreement with the district, Sugarloaf Fire Protection District, Timberline Fire Protection District, Boulder Emergency Squad, AMR Ambulance and Gilpin County Sheriff Office were automatically notified. Black Hawk Fire Department and Central City Fire Department were also requested to respond per command on scene.

Shortly after the arrival of the command unit, an engine and ladder truck from the NFPD—staffed by volunteers and career firefighters—arrived on scene. Defensive operations were initiated immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Fortunately, due to low winds, mild temperatures, and the rapid response from all departments involved, the fire was successfully contained to the commercial structure. Unfortunately, the building is considered a total loss.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 7:11 a.m. with no reported injuries at that time. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway by the NFPD’s Fire Marshal, the Multi-Agency Fire Investigation Team (MAFIT), Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Evacuation orders have been lifted but access to Big Springs Drive is limited and the area around Caribou Village is closed. The public is reminded to stay clear of the area while operations continue.

“Our department couldn’t be more appreciative of all the help and support we received from the public, our members and our neighboring agencies and our thoughts are with those in our community that were affected by this incident” said Charlie Schmidtmann, NFPD Fire Chief.

Nederland Fire Protection District is dedicated to serving all who call upon us with proficiency, integrity and compassionate response