Town of Nederland, Colorado
Updated: October 13, 2025
Note: This information is evolving. The Town will continue updating this page and other communications as recovery efforts progress and more details become available.
What happened?
In the early morning of Friday, October 9, a major fire destroyed much of the Caribou Village Shopping Center in downtown Nederland, located at 20 Lakeview Dr. This area is home to several local businesses and is an important community asset.
At 3:41 am, a Boulder County Sheriff’s Deputy on routine patrol in Nederland observed the fire and reported it in. Firefighters from Nederland Fire Protection District, Timberline Fire, Sugarloaf Fire, Black Hawk Fire, Boulder Emergency Services, and other partner agencies responded within minutes.
At 4:28 a.m., an evacuation order for nearby residents and businesses was issued out of caution; it was lifted at 9:47 a.m. after crews contained the fire.
No injuries or missing persons have been reported.
Even in the early morning hours of the incident, our responders, neighbors, and Town staff worked together, a wonderful reminder of Nederland’s strength and care for each other and place, and our culture of resilience.
What is happening now?
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by state and federal partners, including the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). Investigators are currently working on canvassing, interviewing, researching, and reviewing submissions of video and photographs.
The building remains unstable and unsafe. The area has been fenced off while investigators and engineers determine the next steps.
The Town declared a local emergency on October 9 to ensure we can access resources to support recovery. The Board of Trustees will be holding a Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 14th, to hold space for the community and its needs during this time and to discuss an extension of the emergency declaration.
What can community members do to help with the investigation?
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office needs your help. If you have any information, please email BSCOtips@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-441-3674. You can also visit bouldercounty.gov/safety/sheriff to submit videos or photographs captured in the area before, during, or after the fire. All submissions will be reviewed by investigators.
When will the Carousel, Train Cars, and the grocery store re-open?
Train Cars Coffee and Kava reopened on Friday, October 10.
The Market at Nederland (formerly B&F Mountain Market) sustained minor damage, and reopened on Sunday, October 12.
The Carousel of Happiness sustained minor damage and will open as soon as possible.
What about the businesses that were lost?
The loss is deeper than buildings. Each of those shops, studios, and gathering places represented people: small business owners, employees who made their living there, and neighbors who shaped the character of Nederland through their work. Together they formed the heart of our local economy and our sense of place.
We estimate that nearly twenty businesses were destroyed outright, and many more have been disrupted, including sole proprietors, service providers, and dozens of employees whose livelihoods depended on those spaces. Every one of them matters.
The Town is working with the Nederland Downtown Development Authority, Boulder County, and state and nonprofit partners to help every affected business and worker navigate insurance, identify new locations, and access financial and technical assistance as recovery programs become available.
Our commitment is simple: To stand with every business and every worker until our downtown recovers. We know that recovery will be different for everyone, and we’re committed to ensuring equitable access to every available resource.
When will cleanup or demolition begin?
We don’t have a date yet. Investigators must complete their work before cleanup begins.
Once it’s safe, the Town will work with the property owner to stabilize the site and remove debris in a way that protects both public safety and environmental health.
How is the Town supporting the community?
Our priority is helping business owners, employees, and residents get back on their feet safely. We are:
Working closely with Boulder County, the State of Colorado, and the Department of Local Affairs to connect affected businesses and workers with recovery funding and technical assistance.
Coordinating with the Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA), local property owners, and private partners to identify temporary and long-term spaces for displaced businesses.
Assessing options at the Community Center, including a structural review of the west wing, to determine whether it can safely host temporary operations.
Partnering with local nonprofits and the Food Pantry to support workers and families impacted by the fire.
Conducting a business impact survey to assess damage and ensure every affected business can access the resources available to them.
Holding a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday 10/14/25 to consider extending the emergency declaration, which will allow the Town to move more quickly on recovery actions and access additional funding opportunities.
Maintaining clear, accurate public updates as recovery progresses.
Continuing to monitor and protect our water system, creeks, and surrounding environment.
Our community has already had many wonderful recovery ideas. We are listening, and we welcome your input. Please contact townadmin@nederlandco.org.
What help is available for employees or residents who are struggling?
If you or someone you know has been directly affected, please reach out. Help is available:
Nederland Food Pantry: nederlandfoodpantry.org | 720-418-0892
Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA): efaa.org | 303-442-3042
Mental Health Support: Contact Lynette, the Town’s Co-Responder, contact 303.438.6400 (Dispatch). If you are in crisis, contact 911.
Peak to Peak Housing & Human Services Alliance: p2phhs.org
The Nederland Mountain People’s Co-Op downtown remains open and is supporting local food access.
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) can assist with questions about insurance and the claims process. Call DOI at 303-894-7490 or 800-930-3745 (outside of the Denver metro area) or email them at DORA_Insurance@state.co.us.
If you need unemployment benefits, you can access https://cdle.colorado.gov/unemployment/file-a-claim. We have been told the Governor’s Office will help expedite this process.
How else can community members help?
Our community has already shown incredible compassion. Here’s how you can continue to help:
Support other local businesses that remain open.
Contribute to verified fundraising efforts for those affected or, even better, donate directly to affected businesses and business owners.
Volunteer with the Food Pantry or other nonprofits.
Share accurate information from Town or County channels.
Offer encouragement. Small gestures make a big difference right now.