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Evacuations lifted after Fort Collins police, bomb squad investigate suspicious backpack

Bomb squad in Fort Collins_May 6 2021
Posted at 12:13 PM, May 06, 2021
and last updated 2021-05-07 18:56:11-04

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Police in Fort Collins gave the all-clear around 1:30 p.m. Thursday after investigating a suspicious backpack around Oakridge Drive and E. Boardwalk Drive.

The Northern Colorado Bomb Squad responded to the area to investigate out of precaution. Residents on Bluestem Court north of Meadow Drive and the southern part of Hogan Drive south of Player Drive were evacuated, police said

The Poudre Fire Authority's Hazmat Materials Response Unit also responded to the scene, asking drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to avoid the area.

Police reminded residents not to call 911 for updates on the situation.

By 1:40 p.m., police said they and the bomb squad had finished their work.

"It is safe to return to your homes or places of business if you were evacuated," the department said. "We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this event."

Fort Collins police said the backpack contained chemical substances from a cleaning crew. On Friday afternoon, they identified that substance as pre-mixed ANFO, or ammonium nitrate/fuel oil, an industrial explosive frequently used in mining operations.

"Staff at a commercial storage facility were cleaning a unity & located a backpack containing unknown chemical substances," police said. "The Northern Colorado Bomb Team responded to investigate & safely removed the materials for further processing."