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
Out of precaution, the area immediately surrounding the investigation is being evacuated: Bluestem Ct north of Meadow Dr & the southern part of Hogan Dr south of Player Dr.
— Fort Collins Police (@FCPolice) May 6, 2021
Updates will be made here & via @LETA_911. Please not call 911 for updates. pic.twitter.com/fjJo1QoCI8
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.
PFA units are on scene. The PFA HAZMAT Materials Response Unit and bomb squad members are assisting with the investigation. Please look to @FCPolice for updates. https://t.co/p1YeKgAWLY pic.twitter.com/J6pUhPQT05
— poudrefire (@poudrefire) May 6, 2021
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."