Campus Alert Archive
Mines

Arson-Sparked Quarry Fire Sends Smoke Over Golden as 600 Homes Evacuate Near Mines Campus

COwildfireadvisorymedium confidence
Confirmed Threat

The Quarry Fire ignited on July 31, 2024 in Jefferson County's Deer Creek Canyon area, approximately 10 miles south of the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden. The wildfire burned 579 acres and forced the evacuation of nearly 600 homes across five subdivisions. An air quality alert was issued for the northern Front Range as smoke from the Quarry Fire and other regional wildfires blanketed the area. The fire, investigated as arson, was fully contained by August 7.

Alerts
2
Response
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Killed
—
Injured
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Institution
Colorado School of Mines
Public R1 · CO
~7,000 studentsMines Alert
Confirmed Timeline

Alert Sequence

2 messages in sequence

Some alert texts below are approximate reconstructions from news coverage, not confirmed verbatim transcripts. Reconstructed texts are shown in italic with a dashed border. Verified verbatim texts have a solid border and are marked accordingly.

INITIAL ALERTEmail
Approximate reconstruction476 chars
Mines Alert: A wildfire (Quarry Fire) is burning in Jefferson County approximately 10 miles south of campus in the Deer Creek Canyon area. Nearly 600 homes have been evacuated. An air quality alert has been issued for the northern Front Range due to wildfire smoke. Members of the campus community should limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and monitor air quality conditions. The campus remains open but conditions may change. Check jeffco.us for evacuation updates.

This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.

Reconstructed from Jefferson County wildfire updates and regional reporting
The Quarry Fire was one of several active wildfires in Colorado at the time, including the Alexander Mountain Fire near Loveland
Air quality across the northern Front Range was degraded by smoke from multiple fires
ALL CLEAREmail
Approximate reconstruction348 chars
Mines Alert Update: All mandatory evacuations for the Quarry Fire have been lifted as of 10 a.m. today. The fire has burned 579 acres and is nearing full containment. Air quality conditions are improving. Normal outdoor activities may resume. Continue to monitor local conditions as smoke from other regional wildfires may still affect air quality.

This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.

All mandatory evacuations were lifted at 10 AM on August 6, 2024
The fire was declared 100% contained on August 7
No structures were lost despite the fire burning near densely populated subdivisions
Context

Background

The Quarry Fire ignited late on July 31, 2024 in the Deer Creek Canyon area of Jefferson County, approximately 10 miles south of the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden, Colorado. The fire burned in steep, rugged terrain that Jefferson County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Mark Techmeyer called 'one of the most densely populated and absolutely one of the most challenging fire fights' he had seen in 15-20 years. Nearly 600 homes across five subdivisions were evacuated, and an evacuation center was established at Dakota Ridge High School. State health officials issued an air quality alert for the northern Front Range as smoke from the Quarry Fire combined with haze from the nearby Alexander Mountain Fire and other western wildfires. The fire was investigated as arson, with investigators determining it started along the Deer Creek trail. A force of 190 firefighters battled the blaze, with several treated for heat exhaustion. All evacuations were lifted by August 6, and the fire reached 100% containment on August 7 after burning 579 acres with no structures lost.
Analysis

Key Findings

The fire burned 579 acres approximately 10 miles from the Mines campus, with smoke directly affecting the Golden area
Nearly 600 homes were evacuated across five subdivisions in Jefferson County
The fire was investigated as arson, with evidence suggesting it was intentionally started along a trail
No structures were lost despite the fire burning near densely populated residential areas
Outcome
No structures were lost. No injuries to civilians. Several firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. All mandatory evacuations were lifted by 10 AM on August 6. The fire was 100% contained on August 7. The cause was investigated as arson.
Provenance

Sources

  1. Source
    Quarry Wildfire Updates - Jefferson County, CO
    jeffco.us
  2. News
    Quarry fire: Firefighters focus on preventing flames from jumping Deer Creek Canyon - CPR News
    cpr.org
  3. News
    Quarry fire: Crews making progress in wildfire being investigated as arson - CPR News
    cpr.org
  4. Source
    Wildfire Map Spotlight: Quarry Fire, Colorado - IQAir
    iqair.com
Tags
wildfiresmokeair-qualityevacuationarsoncoloradofront-rangejefferson-county
Added May 2026Updated May 2026Via ingestion