Shelter-in-place order lifted for Northern Colorado residents near site of house fire, suspected ordnance removed

A shelter-in-place order has been lifted for residents near the site of a house fire in Northern Colorado after authorities removed what they believe to be ordnance found in the home.

The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority responded to the residential fire near N. Lincoln Avenue and E. 8th Street on Saturday morning. According to the Loveland Police Department, while crews were clearing the structure, they located suspected ordnance inside the home.

They worked to determine if it contained live explosive material, but there were complications with initial identification. The police department then requested additional assistance to help handle the ordnance.

An alert was sent to nearby residents around 2:26 p.m. asking them to shelter in place, stating:

"Loveland, CO - Police activity in the area of 800 Block N Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO. Residents in the area of 10th to the north, Jefferson to the East, 8th to the south, and Cleveland to the west, take shelter due to police activity.  We will send a follow-up message when the situation is resolved."

The LPD says it issued the order out of caution, but had no indication the item posed an active threat. Police temporarily closed N. Lincoln Avenue and asked drivers to avoid the area.

By 3 p.m., authorities safely removed the suspected ordnance from the home and lifted the shelter-in-place order. The roadway has also been reopened.