March 18, 2025 11:00 a.m. 

Crews from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue rendered aid during Sunday’s flooding event.

CDF&R Public Information Officer and Battalion Chief Ryan Felker said as water levels rose across the county, an increased number of calls for service were the result. Felker said this was no different for CDF&R.

Strategic placement of resources and upstaffing personnel aided in the success of helping those in need. Water related rescues, public safety requests, and aid to adjacent jurisdictions, through mutual aid agreements, all contributed to the influx in call volume.

Felker said, “We were aware this event was likely to occur and prepared accordingly so service delivery would not be affected”. Felker said CDF&R’s technical rescue team was a primary resource request to assist initial responders. They helped homeowners evacuating their homes, removed people trapped, and assisted with evacuation notices in areas not accessible by vehicle. Due to rapidly rising water levels, a total of 32 adults, 8 children and 15 pets were brought to safety by the team.

Felker credited the entire emergency response system, across the county, for the day’s positive outcomes. Felker said, “When agencies, departments and teams of all disciplines work well together, while having the same mission in mind, the result is positive during large scale problems”.