The Alexander Mountain Fire in Larimer County witnessed a significant increase in size on Tuesday, surging past 1,800 acres as reported by the U.S. Forest Service. The fire, which grew slowly overnight, has now been declared a national priority among the agencies involved in containment efforts. Mandatory evacuations were issued for the Masonville area and Glade Road, from Highway 34 to Indian Creek, urging residents to evacuate immediately. Emergency responders are intensifying efforts to combat the blaze, with additional support expected from state and local cooperators. A specialized incident management team is slated to arrive within the next 24-48 hours to address the escalating situation.

The fire, which initially started at around 100 acres on Monday morning, rapidly expanded throughout the day, reaching 950 acres by the evening with no containment progress. Copter4 captured aerial images of the blaze on U.S. Forest Service land, located approximately 20 miles west of Loveland. With over 220 personnel deployed on the ground and numerous helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft engaged in firefighting and monitoring operations, authorities are working diligently to curb the fire's advancement.

Weather conditions pose a challenge to containment efforts, with CBS News Colorado's weather team highlighting the potential impact of wind speed fluctuations. Although winds are currently mild, with speeds around 5 mph in the morning, they are anticipated to increase to 10-20 mph by Tuesday evening. This escalation in wind speed could exacerbate the fire's spread, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable communities in the area.

To accommodate evacuees, overnight shelters have been established at designated locations, including Foundations Church in Loveland and the Estes Park Events Complex. Namaqua Elementary School, formerly used as an evacuation site, remained closed at daybreak. The Ranch in Loveland has been designated as the evacuation site for animals impacted by the wildfire.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with access to real-time information facilitated by mapping tools provided by NASA and the U.S. Forest Service. An interactive wildfire map by CBS News offers a comprehensive view of ongoing wildfires nationwide. These resources aid in tracking the fire's progression and coordinating response efforts to mitigate potential threats posed by the Alexander Mountain Fire.