The incident began at approximately 10:01 AM on May 8, 2026, when the Loveland Emergency Communications Center received a report from a passerby who heard smoke alarms sounding within a residence in the 1100 block of North Garfield Avenue.

Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) Engine 41 was the first to arrive on the scene. After establishing command on the 11th Street side and performing a 360-degree size-up, crews identified a working fire located in the kitchen on the Bravo side of the structure. Firefighters immediately deployed an attack line to the interior to begin suppression efforts.

As Battalion 41 arrived and assumed formal command, the incident remained in an offensive strategy. While Engine 41 tackled the seat of the fire, secondary crews secured a dedicated water supply and the first-in support company conducted a primary search of the residence. The fire was quickly knocked down, preventing significant spread. During the ventilation and overhaul process, firefighters investigated the attic space after observing smoke drift; however, a thorough inspection confirmed that the blaze had not extended into the upper structure.

Personnel remained on the scene for several hours to complete overhaul operations and initiate the fire investigation. The presence of working smoke alarms proved critical in this incident, allowing a passerby to alert authorities before the fire could reach the attic.

Responding units included Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Battalion 41, Engine 41, Engine 42, Engine 45, Rescue 42, Squad 46, Tower 46, Chief 41, and Chief 42; Berthoud Fire Protection District Battalion 61; Thompson Valley EMS Paramedic 381 and Captain 32; and the Loveland Police Department. Support was also provided by City of Loveland Utilities and Xcel Energy.