An early morning fire devastated the Caribou Village Shopping Center in Nederland on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The blaze broke out around 3:30 a.m., rapidly consuming the facility and destroying a Boulder County sheriff’s substation along with at least 19 businesses, including a popular brewery and a children’s nature center.
Fire Details and Response
The fire erupted at the shopping center, sending flames soaring 20 feet high. By approximately 5:50 a.m., firefighters had significantly contained the situation. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
Destruction of Businesses
The shopping center housed multiple businesses that were severely affected, including:
- A music shop (Brightwood Music)
- A laundromat
- A yoga studio
- A children’s nature center (Wild Bear Nature Center)
- A popular brewery (Knotted Root Brewery)
Evacuation orders were issued for nearby neighborhoods but were lifted shortly before 10 a.m. The Carousel of Happiness, Train Cars Coffee, and B&F Grocery remained intact.
Community Impact
Local residents expressed shock and sadness at the loss of businesses. Kallea Cohen, a nearby resident, heard what she thought was an explosion before the fire. Others, including Jen Karowe, who owns a co-working space across the street, lamented the impact the fire would have on the community.
Personal Losses
Doug Armitage, owner of Brightwood Music, expressed his devastation on social media, noting the emotional toll of losing his store and its collection of wooden instruments. As Armitage prepares to relocate his business, he faces uncertainty regarding his insurance coverage.
Barbara Hardt, managing editor of the Mountain-Ear Newspaper and Armitage’s partner, detailed her journey to the fire scene, recalling the shock of seeing the shopping center engulfed in flames.
Future Prospects
Despite the tragic loss, some community members noted a silver lining. The new nature center, which is nearing completion, offers hope for rejuvenation in the wake of the fire. Moreover, local facilities such as the community center and the food pantry have opened their doors to support those affected.
Loss of Wildlife
The fire also impacted the Wild Bear Nature Center, resulting in the loss of various animals, including a turtle, a Westie dog, and several other species used for educational workshops for children.
This incident marks a significant loss for the town of Nederland, which has a population of approximately 1,500. As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the community rallies together to support those affected and look towards rebuilding.
