Wildfire Breaks Out Southwest of Chautauqua

Boulder Fire-Rescue crews have responded to a wildfire southwest of Flagstaff Road near Boulder’s Chautauqua Park. Shortly before 1 p.m. today, the crews arrived on the scene and began putting water on the fire, estimated at half an acre. The National Weather Service Boulder reported seeing the smoke from their office on Broadway.

At 1:25 p.m., emergency officials issued an evacuation warning for the Chautauqua Cottages area.

By 2:06 p.m., the fire, dubbed the Bluebell Fire, had expanded to an estimated 5 acres, spreading at a moderate speed away from Boulder. More than 50 firefighters responded to the scene, with a helicopter dropping water on the fire.

By 2:53 p.m., more than 100 firefighters from more than 9 agencies had arrived on scene, and Multi-Mission Aircraft mapped the fire at 1.5 acres.

Boulder Fire-Rescue hosted a press briefing at New Vista High School, held by Chief Michael Calderazzo at 3:45 p.m. In the briefing, Calderazzo stated that the fire was 50% contained and that the only evacuations necessary were for hikers on the Chautauqua trails. No injuries have been reported, and no structures are currently under threat.

Open Space and Mountain Parks trails will be closed until further notice. Smoke will continue rising as fuels from the area burn off.

As of 4:02 p.m., crews remained on-scene with air support on standby.

As of 5:05 p.m., the fire had been 75% contained, and Boulder Fire-Rescue did not observe concerning weather changes.

At 6:29 p.m., Boulder Fire-Rescue announced the fire had been 100% contained, with no active flames and crews stationed to monitor the area through the morning.

This article was updated throughout the day on February 28, 2026, as more information became available.

Photo by Shavonne Blades

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