UPDATE #1: Caribou Village Shopping Center Fire

Boulder County, Colo. - Today, investigators held a briefing to review the status of the investigation into the structure fire at the Caribou Village Shopping Center in Nederland. The overall investigation remains under the direction of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team, in collaboration with the Nederland Fire Protection District assigned to determine the origin and cause of the fire. At this time, there is no credible evidence that the fire was intentionally set. The final determination of the origin and cause of the fire remains pending, based on the outcome of evidence submitted for laboratory testing and analysis.

Over the past week, investigators from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, the ATF National Response Team, the Nederland Fire Protection District, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control have continued to actively pursue all leads. The investigative team has conducted multiple interviews, reviewed surveillance footage, analyzed photographs and videos submitted by the public, and completed an excavation of the fire scene to collect and evaluate evidence.

Investigators are applying the scientific method to interpret findings from the scene in conjunction with all other information collected throughout the investigation. Once the final determination of origin and cause has been reached, the ATF, Nederland Fire Protection District and Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will provide an update.

The following businesses within the Caribou Village Shopping Center have been determined to be a complete structural loss:

Nederland Chiropractic & Wellness, Tres Gringos Restaurant, Spinning Silica, O’Neil Rocky Mountain Art, Kaleidoscope Gallery, Linda’s Pizza, Dam Liquor, Tadasana Yoga Studio, Mountain Man Outdoor Store, Very Nice Brewing Co., Columbine Family Care, The Laundry Room, Austina’s Winery, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Substation, The Shop, Wild Bear Nature Center, Brightwood Music, and Picaso Hair Artistry.

The investigation and response have been a collaborative effort among multiple agencies, including those previously mentioned, as well as support from the Boulder Police Department and the Colorado Rangers. Protection of the fire scene during the investigation was made possible through their combined efforts, with deputies and officers maintaining 24-hour site security.

The final road closure along Big Springs Drive, located behind the Caribou Village Shopping Center is now open.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and Nederland Fire Protection District would like to thank all partner agencies and personnel who assisted in both the initial fire response and the ongoing investigation.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Unit will remain the primary point of contact for all media inquires regarding this incident. Questions can be directed to SheriffPIO@BoulderCounty.gov.

This investigation is documented under Sheriff’s Office case report 25-04929.

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/s/ V. Montez, Public Information Officer

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Original Press Release, October 9, 2025

Structure Fire at Caribou Village Shopping Center in Nederland

Boulder County, Colo. – The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fire that broke out on Oct. 9, at approximately 3:41 a.m., in the Town of Nederland. A Boulder County Sheriff’s Deputy on routine patrol observed an active structure fire at the Caribou Village Shopping Center, located at 20 Lakeview Drive. The deputy immediately notified dispatch. Nederland Fire Rescue, along with multiple assisting agencies, responded to the scene.

At 4:28 a.m., an evacuation order was issued for residents and businesses along the southern and western portions of Barker Reservoir. At 9:47 a.m., an all-clear message, allowing residents to return to their homes, was issued. Residents of the Big Springs area are reminded to access their subdivision via Peakview Road near the Sundance Cafe off State Highway 119.

The two-story structure of businesses along the south side of the shopping center was fully engulfed in flames and sustained the most significant damage. The Carousel of Happiness, located on the west side of the property, sustained only minor damage. Nearby businesses, including Train Cars Coffee and Kava and B&F Mountain Market were also spared from major damage.

Responding agencies included Nederland Fire Rescue, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Timberline Fire Protection District, Sugarloaf Fire Protection District, American Medical Response, and the Boulder Emergency Squad.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), are working jointly to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

At the time of this release, no injuries have been reported. The Town of Nederland asks community members to conserve water where possible, as a significant amount has been utilized in firefighting operations, which continue as crews work to extinguish remaining hot spots.

If you have information about the fire that may help with the investigation, please contact the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office tip line at: BCSOtips@bouldercounty.gov or 303-441-3674.

Boulder County Sheriff's Office - Evidence Submission Portal: If you were in the area before, during or after the fire started, and have any photographs or video of the fire or the immediate surrounding areas, we request the public upload them to this secure site:

Road Closures:

• The closure at Conger and Lakeview Drive has been lifted.
• The closure at eastbound Lakeview Drive and State Highway 119 will be lifted at 6:00 p.m. on Oct 9.
• All other closures, including eastbound Big Springs Drive from State Highway 119, and westbound Big Springs from Conger, remain in effect until further notice.
• State Highway 119 remains open in both directions through Nederland.

This investigation is documented under Sheriff’s Office case report 25-04929.

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/s/ V. Montez, Public Information Officer