DENVER (KDVR) — Over 80 people were displaced after a fire on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Fort Collins Rescue Mission.
The fire started in the kitchen, according to the rescue mission’s CEO, Dennis Van Kampen, who provided an update on the rescue on Sunday. He said that the fire extensively damaged the building’s offices and kitchen, saying that the building is not usable.
“Our staff did an amazing job of making sure that everyone got out safely, and we are thanking God that no one was hurt, but the building needs help,” Van Kampen said.
The Poudre Fire Authority reported the blaze at about 7:16 p.m. on Saturday, and said that heavy fire damage occurred in the building’s kitchen where the fire started, and there is heavy smoke damage throughout the building.
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Interior damage to the Fort Collins Rescue Mission from a kitchen fire. (Courtesy the Poudre Fire Authority) -
Interior damage to the Fort Collins Rescue Mission from a kitchen fire. (Courtesy the Poudre Fire Authority) -
The Poudre Fire Authority responded to a fire at the Fort Collins Rescue Mission on Aug. 23, 2025. (Courtesy the Poudre Fire Authority) -
The Poudre Fire Authority responded to a fire at the Fort Collins Rescue Mission on Aug. 23, 2025. (Courtesy the Poudre Fire Authority)
Because of the fire, 82 people were displaced. The Red Cross, the city of Fort Collins’ Office of Emergency Management, and the Poudre Fire Authority’s Office of Emergency Management are working on finding shelter for the displaced. The Red Cross shared in a press release
Van Kampen is asking for support in two ways: Prayer and financial aid.
“Will you pray for our guests that have been displaced? Our staff is doing an amazing job trying to find alternative shelter and we’re doing that with our partners in the community, but imagine what it would be like to be homeless, and the very shelter that you have, the place that you’re finding hope, is now taken away,” Van Kampen said. “Please pray that this would not cause anyone to give up.”
Van Kampen said repairs to the shelter building will cost a lot, and noted that while the organization does have insurance, not everything will be covered.
“In our time of need, would you please give at the link below, whether you give to our operational expenses during this crisis or to our capital campaign, because we desperately need a new shelter in Fort Collins,” Van Kampen said.
The rescue mission has established a donation site here.
Heather Willard
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