The Beartrap Fire was started at approximately 6:45 pm on September 2nd near the end of Beartrap Road by a damaged and arcing transformer and began a run uphill toward North County Road 73C. When Crystal Lakes firefighters arrived on the scene, the fire was approximately two acres in size and growing at a rate of 60-90 feet per minute. Three houses on 73C were in the immediate path of the fire and numerous other structures would be threatened if the fire succeeded in jumping 73C. Crystal Lakes VFD immediately called in mutual aid from Red Feather Lakes VFD, Glacier View VFD, Livermore VFD, the forest service, and Larimer County Emergency Services, all of whom responded quickly with multiple engines and firefighters.

All agencies fought the fire into the night, and ultimately succeeded in saving all threatened structures and keeping the fire contained to six lots between Beartrap Road and 73C. The fire was declared officially out at noon on Friday the 4th. Ultimately, the Beartrap Fire burned a total of 18.5 acres of brush and trees, with no structures lost and no injuries to responders or residents.

Photos © Milo David and others