The North Metro Fire Wildland Team was established in 2000 following the department’s demerger with a neighboring agency, which brought an influx of personnel, expertise, and funding dedicated to expanding wildland fire capability.

Today, that investment continues to protect our community, especially in areas where homes sit close to tall grasses and open space.

Built for the Risks We Face

Our district contains significant grass and shrub fuels. These fuels, combined with Colorado’s wind patterns, create conditions for fast-moving, wind-driven fires.

Homes in many areas are located close to open space, placing parts of our community squarely in what is known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI)—where wildfire risk directly impacts neighborhoods.

The devastating 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed over 1,000 structures, underscored just how critical specialized wildland response capability is for our region.

Highly Trained, Red-Carded Firefighters

The Wildland Team currently consists of 33 firefighters. These members are collateral-duty structural firefighters who carry additional wildland qualifications.

Every member holds:

    •    FFT2

    •    FFT1

    •    NWCG Red Card

In addition, the team includes:

    •    Ten Engine Bosses (ENGB)

    •    Three Task Force Leaders (TFLD)

    •    One Crew Boss (CRWB)

    •    One Heavy Equipment Boss

    •    A Fire Boss

All personnel meet the Arduous Pack Test standard, ensuring they are physically prepared for extended operations in challenging terrain.

The team trains multiple times per year on:

    •    Mobile attack operations

    •    Progressive hose lays

    •    Structure protection

    •    Urban interface strategy and tactics

They operate within Incident Command System (ICS) structures ranging from Type 5 to Type 1 incidents and regularly participate in interagency training.

In addition to all this, every firefighter on the line has completed the NWCG S-130/190 training; this means that all line personnel are certified in wildland urban interface firefighting strategy and tactics.

Specialized Equipment for Rapid Initial Attack

North Metro Fire’s Wildland Team operates:

    •    Four Type 6 brush trucks

    •    One Type 3 engine

Depending on incident needs, the team can deploy as a strike team or a task force, and they maintain dedicated wildland PPE separate from structural gear for rapid response.

A new Type 6 engine is arriving soon, further strengthening our initial attack capability.

Local Protection & National Response

The Wildland Team plays a critical role in rapid initial attack within our district, where wind-driven grass fires can escalate quickly.

We are also part of the national mobilization system and deploy outside our district when requested. Assignments typically last 14 days plus travel, with home staffing backfilled through overtime to ensure uninterrupted service locally.

One notable recent deployment was to the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, where our firefighters worked alongside agencies from across the country.

The team regularly works with partner agencies at every level and coordinates with aviation resources when assigned.

A Growing Commitment to Community Safety

The Wildland Team recently added four new members and additional equipment, reflecting North Metro Fire’s ongoing investment in wildfire preparedness.

As wildfire risk continues to evolve, especially in areas where neighborhoods meet open space, having a trained, equipped, and deployable wildland team ensures that our community remains prepared.

What This Means for Residents

Wildfires in our region are often fast-moving and wind driven. The proximity of homes to tall grass and shrub fuels increases the importance of:

    •    Defensible space

    •    Situational awareness during Red Flag conditions

    •    Heeding evacuation notices

Inside Our Red Flag & Fire Weather Watch Response Plan

On days with elevated fire danger, North Metro Fire increases staffing and readiness using a Preparedness Level (PL) system. All Fire Weather Watch days are designated PL 4, and all Red Flag Warning days are PL 5, reflecting a high risk for wildland fire ignition and rapid growth.

These decisions are not automatic or one-time determinations—crews and command staff continuously monitor weather patterns, fuel conditions, and wind forecasts. Wind in particular is closely watched, as it is the single most significant factor influencing fire spread.

Every company across the district continuously tracks fuel conditions in its response area, conducts ongoing preplanning, and updates risk assessments based on recent weather and vegetation growth.

When fire danger is elevated, our community will see:

• PL 4: brush trucks placed in a heightened readiness posture that follow engines during non-emergency activities to ensure rapid response if a vegetation fire starts
• PL 5: additional wildland apparatus placed in service, including a dedicated brush truck staffed with Wildland Team members

Even on high-wind days that do not meet formal Red Flag criteria, leadership has the flexibility to add resources when conditions warrant.

And when not actively responding to an incident, wildland team members focus on mitigation, training, and strategic positioning based on forecasted hazards.

This layered, proactive approach reflects strong organizational support for wildland operations and a commitment to protecting the community during periods of increased fire risk.

Our Wildland Team stands ready to respond—locally and across the country—bringing training, experience, and a deep commitment to protecting lives and property.

On January 17, 2026, North Metro Fire Rescue responded to a late-night fire at Northglenn Heights Assisted Living & Memory Care. Thanks to the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system, the fire was quickly controlled, limiting damage and helping protect residents and staff—an outcome that reinforces why sprinklers are critical in all residential settings, and especially in senior living communities and other occupancies housing vulnerable populations.

At approximately 11:45 p.m., Engine 63 and Truck 74 were dispatched for smoke inside the building. While crews were en route, dispatch advised that the alarm company had received a waterflow alarm, indicating the sprinkler system had activated. Based on that information, the E63 officer upgraded the call to a First Alarm Structure Response to ensure an effective response force was on the way early.

Dashcam image of crews in front of Northglenn Heights on January 17, 2026

Crews arrived to reports of a fire in one of the rooms on the third floor. Occupants had exited, and the sprinkler head in the room was operating. The sprinkler system performed exactly as intended—knocking down the fire and preventing it from spreading beyond the room of origin. Firefighters confirmed the fire was out quickly, conducted ventilation and building checks, and ensured all residents were accounted for. One individual was evaluated and transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

With multiple engine and truck companies North Metro Fire Rescue and Thornton Fire working together, suppression, ventilation, and patient care priorities were handled in a coordinated manner. Northglenn Police Department assisted with accountability and safety operations on the lower floors, particularly where water from the sprinkler system created slip hazards.

While the fire was contained to one unit, the sprinkler activation—and the water used to control the fire—impacted multiple apartments. In total, 11 apartments were determined to be temporarily hazardous due to fire, smoke, or water damage. Facility staff successfully relocated affected residents within the community. Fire personnel remained on scene to support water removal and help limit additional damage, and Bureau 67 completed the origin and cause investigation.

Investigation Findings

Fire Investigator Wayne Belohlavy (Bureau 67) determined the fire was accidental and electrical in nature. The investigation found that a non-surge-protected multiplug adapter, used to power multiple appliances, had been repeatedly stepped on over time. The resulting damage led to arcing, which ignited nearby combustibles.

Why This Matters

Automatic sprinklers are proven to stop fires early—often before conditions become life-threatening. In this incident, the sprinkler system’s rapid activation was the difference between a single-room fire and a much larger emergency in a building where many residents need assistance evacuating. Coupled with a prompt, appropriately scaled fire department response, the sprinkler system helped protect lives and significantly reduced the potential for catastrophic loss.

This was a true “sprinkler save”—and a clear example of how engineered and properly maintained fire protection systems, especially in senior living facilities, make our community safer.

The North Metro Fire Rescue District Community Foundation has received a generous monetary donation in the amount of $90,910.13 from the Elizabeth S. Parcels Revocable Living Trust, designated exclusively to support the Foundation’s fallen firefighter and police program.

This significant contribution will directly support first responders and their families when a firefighter or police officer is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. The donation reinforces the Foundation’s mission to provide meaningful assistance to those who serve and protect the North Metro Fire community.

The donor shared the following statement to be included with the gift:

“Dear NMFD, thank you for all you do. It is with love and gratitude that I thank my father, Kenneth R. Tiegs (1919–2006), whose skills, talents and intelligence have made this gift possible.”

The North Metro Fire Rescue District Community Foundation was established to support community initiatives that enhance public safety and provide assistance to first responders. In addition to honoring fallen firefighters and police officers, the Foundation has helped provide emergency funding for first responders who have been seriously injured in the line of duty, as well as support for families who have lost a loved one while serving the community.

North Metro Fire extends its sincere gratitude to the Elizabeth S. Parcels Revocable Living Trust for this meaningful and impactful donation, and for honoring the legacy of Kenneth R. Tiegs through continued support of first responders.

North Metro Fire recently recognized a local maintenance worker whose quick actions prevented a dangerous kitchen fire from spreading at the Aspen Park Apartments in Northglenn.

On the late morning of October 8, 2025, a mother was cooking in her second-floor apartment when oil splashed in a hot pan and ignited. The fire spread quickly to the kitchen cabinetry, and despite her efforts to stop it, she was forced to evacuate with her baby. As she escaped, she alerted maintenance employee Julio Cesar Realivazquez, who was working nearby.

Without hesitation, Realivazquez grabbed a portable fire extinguisher—one recently installed as part of a fire-safety upgrade—and ran upstairs to help. When time North Metro Fire crews arrived five minutes later, he had already put out the bulk of the fire. Firefighters only needed a small amount of additional water to extinguish remaining hot spots. While the family’s apartment sustained significant damage, Realivazquez’s decisive actions prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring units and potentially saved lives.

For his bravery, North Metro Fire presented Realivazquez with the Citizen’s Life Safety Award.

Community Partners Support Displaced Family

Following the incident, several organizations came together to help the displaced family recover.

The district’s Community Risk Reduction Division, led by Josh Hamilton, quickly identified support resources and coordinated assistance. Thanks to their network, the family received essential items, supplies and immediate help during an extremely stressful time.

Among the network of helpers was A Precious Child, a local nonprofit that provides free essentials like clothing, hygiene products, food, diapers and more to families across the Denver metro area. The organization supplied the family with everyday necessities as well as mattresses and other sleeping essentials.

North Metro Fire also recognized Aspen Park Apartments management for relocating the affected family into another unit while repairs were made to their home. The complex had recently worked with Fire Inspector Rexford Wilkosz to increase the number of portable fire extinguishers throughout the property. One of these extinguishers was the very tool Realivazquez used to stop the fire from spreading.

A Powerful Example of Community Working Together

This incident highlights the importance of fire prevention efforts, access to safety equipment and strong community partnerships. While accidents can’t always be avoided, the response to this fire demonstrates how quickly a crisis can be handled. This situation is also a great example of how meaningful relief can be achieved when neighbors, organizations and first responders work together to support those in need.

North Metro Fire is proud to honor these individuals and partners for their commitment to doing the right thing and supporting their community when it mattered most.

North Metro Fire reminds district residents that it's time to renew Ambulance Membership Program (AMP) memberships.

What Is AMP?An AMP membership reduces the financial burden of an ambulance ride, and district residents pay less than $60 a year for peace of mind. Because in an emergency, cost should not be a barrier to care.

How Does AMP Work?When AMP members need an ambulance ride in-district, North Metro Fire bills their insurance. If there's a remaining cost, the membership covers it—up to $1,500 annually. That means most members don't pay anything out of pocket for ambulance service within our district.

How Do I Renew or Apply for AMP?Click through to www.NorthMetroFire.org/AMP to renew or apply. You can also call the district's headquarters at (303) 452-9910 to request an AMP application by mail. Payment can be made online, by mailing a check, or by paying in person at 101 Spader Way in Broomfield.

Find more information at www.NorthMetroFire.org/AMP.

On the evening of Oct. 9, 2025, North Metro Fire Rescue District crews responded to a structure fire in the 10300 block of Adams Place in the City of Thornton. What unfolded in the minutes that followed would showcase remarkable teamwork, decisive action and the kind of courage that defines the fire service.

Thanks to the District’s CAD-to-CAD dispatching agreement with the City of Thornton, Engine 63 and Medic 63 were the closest engine crew to the fire that evening and automatically dispatched to the incident.

Arriving shortly after Thornton Fire Battalion Chief 71, they found heavy smoke and active fire coming from the home. The crew—Out of Class Lieutenant Steve Ruscio, Engineer Andrew Weyeneth, Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Olig, Firefighter/Paramedic Drew Smith, and Firefighter Jacob Gilbert—was immediately assigned victim rescue with an attack line.

Witnesses confirmed someone was inside the home. With visibility reduced to nearly zero and heat conditions rapidly intensifying, the team prepared for an aggressive interior attack and primary search. Before entering, OOC Lt. Ruscio used his thermal imaging camera to locate the occupant.

Acting without hesitation, OOC Lt. Ruscio and Firefighter/Paramedic Olig advanced into the structure, contacted the victim and quickly carried them outside to safety. The patient was immediately transferred to Medic 63, where the crew initiated emergency medical care before transporting the individual to the hospital.

The success of the rescue was the direct result of the coordinated efforts of both North Metro and Thornton Fire responders. The crew’s actions reflected calm under extreme pressure, confidence in their training and a shared commitment to protecting the community they serve.

For their extraordinary courage and professionalism during this life-saving incident, the members of Engine 63 and Medic 63 have been awarded the Meritorious Unit Medal. This honor is reserved for crews whose actions on an emergency scene exemplify the highest standards of service and represent the very best of North Metro Fire Rescue District.

The District extends its sincere appreciation to each member of the crew. Their performance on Oct. 9 not only saved a life—it brought great credit to themselves, their station and the entire organization.

When North Metro Fire Battalion Chief John Cook and several other North Area officers came together for a weeklong truck academy in late October, they weren’t just training on tactics—they were building the foundation for a regional standard in truck operations.

About a year ago, operations chiefs across the North Area identified the need to make trucks a more specialized and consistent resource. To accomplish that, they formed the North Area Truck Group, made up of battalion chiefs and a captain representing participating departments. Their goal: unify training and strengthen the effectiveness of truck companies on the fireground.

From those discussions, the group partnered with Task Force 1, Inc. to create a customized truck academy tailored to local operations, policies and goals. The course was designed as a “train-the-trainer” program—equipping participants to return to their departments and pass on what they learned.

“In 2026, we’ll host a North Area Truck Academy using the firefighters who went through this program as the cadre,” said Battalion Chief Cook. “North Metro helped lead this effort from the start, first under Battalion Chief O’Leary and now continuing with our team, but it’s truly been a shared collaboration among all the North Area agencies.”

Collaboration Across Seven Agencies

For Cook, one of the highlights of the week was seeing seven agencies come together in a shared commitment to improve. The academy featured two tracks—engineer and officer—allowing each group to build specific skill sets that enhance real-world performance on busy fire scenes.

“Seeing everyone work seamlessly together was incredible,” Cook said. “The interoperability we’re building means that when we’re on the street, it doesn’t matter which department shows up first—everyone understands the same tactics and expectations.”

Strengthening Firefighter Capability and Community Impact

The academy focused on apparatus positioning, spotting, controls and maximizing a fire truck’s full capabilities—areas where participants identified opportunities for improvement. The result is not only stronger technical skills but also enhanced safety and efficiency for both firefighters and civilians.

As Cook explained, “We’re a suburban fire department, and our trucks sometimes take on a range of roles. Understanding how to use that apparatus to its fullest—whether for victim extraction, fire location, or early containment—creates safer, more tenable environments for civilians and crews alike.”

Looking Ahead

With command staff’s support, planning is already underway for the North Area Truck Academy in 2026. In the meantime, departments will continue gathering data and integrating new tactics into street operations.

“These are aggressive, intelligent, forward-thinking firefighters,” Cook said. “As new hires come in, they can count on being developed in that same mindset. What we’re learning here doesn’t just apply to trucks—it benefits every firefighter and strengthens how we protect our community.”

Yesterday, Mark Daugherty was sworn in as the new fire chief of North Metro Fire Rescue District, becoming the seventh professional fire chief to lead the district since its foundation in 1946. As part of the ceremony, Retired North Metro Fire Chief David Ramos presented Fire Chief Daugherty with a special firefighter’s axe symbolizing the transfer of command.

“Taking the helm from Chief Ramos brings with it tremendous responsibility and great expectations,” said Peter Billera, vice president of North Metro Fire’s board of directors. “With that, we are extremely confident in our selection of Chief Daugherty for this role. His knowledge, leadership experience and impeccable moral character will play an integral role as he leads North Metro Fire into the future.” 

Chief Daugherty steps into his new role with two decades of experience in the fire service and emergency medical services (EMS). A Colorado native, he joined North Metro Fire in 2011 after serving as a firefighter/paramedic in San Diego County, CA, and later as a paramedic and field training officer for Denver Health.

Driven by his passion for the fire service and prehospital patient care, Chief Daugherty worked his way up to a leadership role in EMS in 2018. As EMS Lieutenant and EMS Captain, Chief Daugherty strengthened and expanded the district’s EMS program and helped establish North Metro Fire as a top EMS provider in the region. In 2020, Chief Daugherty served as the medical point person during the COVID-19 pandemic, rapidly developing safety protocols for patients and first responders and working with regional partners to maintain an essential supply of emergency equipment, despite supply chain challenges.

In early July, North Metro Fire Rescue District opened temporary Fire Station 68, located at 12400 W. 112th Avenue in Broomfield. The temporary station provides vital emergency response coverage to the western portion of the district while the new permanent structure is under development. One fire engine and a three-member crew, including a paramedic, operate out of the temporary structure, which is equipped to support an all-hazard emergency response. 

“This new temporary Station 68 will serve a growing community with faster response times while the permanent structure is being built,” said Deputy Chief Matt Horan. 

Upcoming milestones for Station 68 include: 

• Groundbreaking of the permanent station in late 2025  
• Delivery of a new fire engine in early 2026 

North Metro Fire recently finalized the land acquisition for the permanent Station 68, and its Support Services Division, architectural team and civil engineers are actively working behind the scenes to finalize the new station’s design.

As with any construction process, the timelines are subject to change. North Metro Fire appreciates the community’s ongoing support and looks forward to providing further updates as the project progresses. 

After more than 40 years in the fire service, David Ramos took his final steps as fire chief of North Metro Fire Rescue District on July 22 as part of a special retirement ceremony held at North Metro Fire Station 61 in Broomfield. During his time as chief, Ramos led North Metro Fire to better financial stability while improving emergency response, strengthening regional partnerships and enhancing firefighter safety. 

A local to the area, Ramos joined North Metro Fire in 1984, following the footsteps of his older brother, Mike Ramos, who worked for a neighboring fire department. Ramos worked his way up the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant and on to battalion chief, spending more than 25 years on the line serving the community. In 2009, he was promoted to deputy chief and served in administration before being selected by the board in 2014 to fill North Metro Fire’s highest ranking role—fire chief. 

“As a board member, I am in awe with how well Chief Ramos balanced the needs of every group he served, whether it was the board, employees, governmental partners or the community at large,” said Richard Miller, treasurer and former president of North Metro Fire’s board of directors. “He was an attentive listener and found ways to bring people together. Above all, he was a leader who earned respect and exemplified integrity, compassion, honesty and transparency.”

During Ramos’ tenure as fire chief, North Metro Fire experienced significant growth in population and in emergency call volume. Working alongside community members, the district’s board of directors, and employees, he developed a strategic plan to support the needs of the growing district and worked to secure essential funding through two voter-approved tax measures.

“During the 2014 mill levy election process, we learned a lot about our taxpayers’ expectations for financial information,” said Chief Financial Officer Lisa Willis. “Chief Ramos used this opportunity to not only enhance financial transparency but to ensure our financial decisions reflected the desires and needs of the community. He has always served with the community’s needs as his compass.”

Ramos played a vital role in modernizing and expanding several aging fire stations and investing in equipment and emergency vehicles to provide better care and service to the community and protect its firefighters. He also was instrumental in collaborating with other north area leaders to develop an integrated 911 dispatching hub to reduce emergency response times across the north area region. During his role as fire chief, he also led the district to its first accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, recognizing the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement. 

Ramos was known for fostering collaborations with other fire departments, law enforcement agencies and city partners to improve emergency response and services to the community. He served as a leader on numerous regional committees, including the Colorado Firefighter Heart and Cancer Benefits Trust, North Area Chiefs, Denver Metro Chiefs, Adams Jeffco HazMat Authority, ADCOM Board and the E911 Authorities. 

“It’s been an honor to have someone like Chief Ramos as a mentor and friend,” said incoming North Metro Fire Chief Mark Daugherty. “He built an incredible culture here that prioritizes professionalism, innovation, teamwork and service over self. Most importantly, he was a leader who truly cared about those he worked with and those he served, and we are all better for the example he set for us to follow.” 

This week, we celebrated the career and contributions of North Metro Fire Deputy Chief David Anderson as he took his last steps on shift and entered retirement after 39 years in the fire service. Chief Anderson’s life of service began right out of high school, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1980. He served three years of active duty as a Military Police Officer, followed by three more years in the National Guard, setting a foundation of honor, discipline, and commitment. This foundation served Chief Anderson well as he set his sights on a career in the fire service. He was hired by West Adams County Fire Protection District (now North Metro Fire) in 1986 and worked his way up to fire medic, engineer, lieutenant, training captain, training chief and ultimately division chief of support services. He also served 15 years as a leader for Local 2203. Chief Anderson's influence can be seen in nearly every corner of the organization—from PPE advancements like the adoption of second sets of bunker gear and ballistic protection, to major capital projects, including the construction of North Metro Fire's Training Center and Station 67, the rebuilding of Stations 61 and 63, the remodel of Station 62, and early planning for the new Station 68. He also played a vital role in centralizing facilities management, enhancing emergency management coordination, improving IT systems and security, and helping lead the planning team through accreditation.He led the growth of our Training Division and encouraged continual development, training and education to those within the organization, serving as a mentor to many. Leading by example, he was the first North Metro Fire member to complete the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Congratulations, Chief Anderson, on a great career. Thank you for all you have done to enhance our organization and for your four decades of service to our community. We wish you well in your retirement and know you will enjoy the extra time with your family!

North Metro Fire Rescue District was awarded Internationally Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) on Thursday, April 3, making it one of only 13 agencies in Colorado to earn the acclaimed designation. 

Accredited status is given to agencies that meet the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program and demonstrate they are community-oriented, strategic-minded, data-driven, and outcome-focused. North Metro Fire joins a group of more than 300 agencies across the world that have achieved Internationally Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE).

“Earning accredited status demonstrates North Metro Fire’s commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our community,” said North Metro Fire Chief David Ramos. “It took several years of dedicated work by many people across our organization to accomplish this achievement, and I’m proud of their focused efforts to openly assess where we are today and develop plans for where we want to be in the future. I also think this recognition reflects the support we have received from our community and our board of directors that has allowed us to grow and excel as a fire district.”  

The Accreditation Process

The CFAI process provides an agency with an improvement model to assess their service delivery and performance internally, and then it pairs the agency with a team of peers from accredited agencies to verify and validate their completed self-assessment. All divisions and programs were evaluated as part of North Metro Fire’s comprehensive self-assessment, and the district also utilized in-depth data analysis to further review its performance against national standards. District personnel then developed plans for improvement and timelines that were incorporated into the report provided to the peer team. 

 As part of the process, the assigned peer team conducted a site visit, which included interviewing department and program leaders as well as board members, reviewing all documentation and references provided by North Metro Fire and providing feedback to the fire district. Upon conclusion of the site visit, the peer team recommended North Metro Fire to CFAI, where they participated in a final hearing on Thursday before the commission. Following their hearing, they were awarded the accredited status.

“Working towards accreditation is one of the most exhaustive and comprehensive evaluative processes a department can go through,” said Deputy Chief of Support Services and Accreditation Manager Matt Horan, “but all the effort that went into earning our accredited status was worth it. What we learned and developed through this process will greatly benefit our community and our organization for years to come, and we’re excited to be honored with this designation.”