Byers Grass Fire

Photo courtesy of Strasburg Fire Protection District

At 09:40 on December 30th, 2024 South Metro Fire Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a vegetation fire in the area of 64001 Hwy. 36 in Byers. As the I-70 corridor was under a Red Flag Warning the whole I-70 Corridor Matrix was dispatched per protocol. First arriving Chief 81 sized up a working fire in moderate fuels with a rapid rate of spread to the east and assumed Command in an offensive strategy. Next arriving Chief 31 was assigned as Safety Officer. Initial smoke conditions were such that a request was also made to shut down the heavy rail line in the area. First arriving Brush Engine 81 and Brush Engine 91 made quick work of the head of the fire and the balance of the assignment was cancelled with the exception to Tender 91 and Tender 92. CORE Electric was requested to inspect poles that had been flame impinged, and Colorado Natural Gas to inspect an aboveground natural gas pipeline assembly. Investigation showed that the fire was most caused by a trailer shedding metal from hot brakes or dragging a chain. Information and photos provided by Strasburg Fire Protection District

Units on Scene:

Strasburg Fire Protection District: Chief 81 & Brush Engine 81

Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue: Brush Engine 91, Brush Engine 92 (Cancelled), Brush Engine 93 (Cancelled), Tender 91 & Tender 92

Deer Trail Rural Fire Protection District: Chief 31 & Brush Engine 32 (Cancelled)

Buckley Space Force Emergency Services: Tender 8 (Cancelled)

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, CORE Electric, Colorado Natural Gas

Photo courtesy of Strasburg Fire Protection District

Photo courtesy of Strasburg Fire Protection District

Photo courtesy of Strasburg Fire Protection District

Photo courtesy of Strasburg Fire Protection District