Thornton Fire Forces Evacuations, Shuts Down I-25 as Smoke Spreads Across North Denver Metro
A fast-moving fire near 84th Avenue and Huron Street in Thornton has triggered evacuations affecting homes, businesses and a local high school, while a thick plume of smoke has been visible across parts of the north Denver metro area. Police said evacuation activity extended into nearby neighborhoods, with officers moving door-to-door in areas northeast of the fire zone.
Officials said Pinnacle High School and nearby businesses were being evacuated as a precaution while emergency crews responded. A school spokesperson said the campus was placed on a controlled release, with families directed to pick up students at the Pinnacle Event Center.
For residents who were displaced and unable to return home, authorities identified Water World as a safe location to gather while the response continued.
Traffic was also heavily impacted. The Colorado Department of Transportation said Interstate 25 was closed in both directions between 104th Avenue and U.S. 36 due to the fire, disrupting one of the region’s busiest corridors.
Updates are expected as officials assess conditions, manage evacuations and determine how long closures will remain in place. For the latest official roadway updates, see Colorado Department of Transportation.
