Berthoud Large Vegetation Fire

Photo Courtesy of Loveland Fire Rescue Authority

On March 17th, 2025 at approximately 13:10 the Loveland Emergency Communications Center Dispatched the Berthoud Fire Protection District to a vegetation fire east of Carter Lake. Due to the weather conditions this fire was classified as a fast moving vegetation fire and mutual aid was requested from across the region. Crews began attack with difficult access to the area and limited water supply available. Ultimately crews were able to secure a draft from Hertha Reservoir and have continuous water into a porta tank to defend the Rainbow Lake Estates neighborhood. Firefighters were met with conditions similar to the Marshal Fire in 2021 that burnt down thousands of homes due to the weather conditions. Winds were a large concern for the Incident Commander as he was working to protect the neighborhood. Unfortunately firefighters were unable to save one house. A resident of the neighborhood commented on how these firefighters should be known as “Hero’s” as they worked in extreme conditions similar to the Marshal Fire and they saved the community that they serve, he was extremely proud of their efforts. The fire was reported 100 percent contained in an update at 15:40. Crews remained on scene for some time to complete mop up of the vegetation fire and the structure fire. The fire was mapped at 21 acres. Additional information provided by Berthoud Fire Protection District and Loveland Fire Rescue Authority

Units on Scene:

Berthoud Fire: Chief 60, Chief 61, Chief 63, Training 60, Training 61, Battalion 61, Squad 61, Engine 62, Engine 613, Tender 61, Tender 62, Engine 623 & Engine 626

Loveland Fire Rescue Authority: Chief 40, Chief 41, Chief 42, Chief 48, Battalion 41, Training 40, Engine 416, Engine 433, Engine 474, Tender 43, Tender 46, Engine 505, Engine 41 (Covering Berthoud’s District), Wildland 40, Logistics 40 & Fire Bureau

Front Range Fire: Chief 503 & Engine 501

Longmont Fire: Brush 2132

Lyons Fire: Brush 4031

Poudre Fire: Brush 14

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: Wildland 28

Thompson Valley EMS: Paramedic 331 & Battalion 35

Larimer County Sheriffs Office: Wildland, Forensics Team, Patrol, and Investigations,

Colorado State Patrol, Larimer County Emergency Services, Larimer County Park Rangers & Poudre Valley REA