Kruger Rock Fire
Kruger Rock Fire
On November 16th, 2021 around 06:50 Estes Park Emergency Communications Center (EPECC) dispatched Estes Valley Fire Protection District to a reported wildfire near Little Valley Rd. and Fish Creek Rd. southeast of Estes Park. Battalion Chief 71 arrived to a quarter acre wildland fire with active flames in very steep terrain moving towards the Hermit Park Open Space and requested a second alarm wildland response and starting evacuations in the area. Gusting winds and low relative humidity caused the fire to spread quickly and threatened several structures in the area. Multiple voluntary and mandatory evacuations were ordered during the day. The fire was put at 115 acres and 11% containment by 14:00 and 133 acres with 15% containment by 18:00. Around 18:37 reports of a single engine air tanker crash was reported south of Estes Park. Crews responded to search the area, and at approximately 21:49 the plane crash site was located near the south end of Hermit Park. The pilot Marc Olson, a 32-year veteran pilot since 1979 was the only occupant of the aircraft, he did not survive. The investigation into the crash will be led by the FAA and NTSB. A local photographer Brett Rios captured the air tanker moments before the tragic crash. Rios has captured other Colorado fires including the Cameron Peak Fire and the East Troublesome Fire. EVFPD resources assisted in extricating the pilot and many local resources participated in a honor procession to the coroner’s office on November 17th, 2021. The fire burned 147 acres with no homes or structures burned, and the fire may have been started by strong winds that knocked over a power line. Additional information provided by Estes Valley Fire Protection District and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
Departments on Scene:
Estes Valley Fire Protection District, Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department, Rocky Mountain National Park Fire Department, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Pinewood Springs Fire Protection District, Allenspark Fire Protection District, Big Elk Meadows Fire protection District, Poudre Fire Rescue Authority, Lyons Fire Protection District, Berthoud Fire Protection District, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Larimer County Sheriff Wildland Crew, Estes Park Police Department, Estes Park Health Paramedics, Larimer County Natural Resources, Colorado State Patrol & CDOT