Colfax County fire marshal says coordinated response contained Crow Creek Fire after rapid growth to about 1,200 acres

Colfax County Fire Marshal Nate Saddlebaugh told the county commission that the Crow Creek Fire, reported to dispatch on April 29, 2026, showed “extreme and aggressive behavior” driven by strong winds and available fuels and expanded from an initial estimate of about 50 acres to roughly 1,200 acres before crews contained it.

Saddlebaugh said incident command coordinated ground resources with aerial support — including two large air tanker retardant drops and a Type 3 helicopter — and that the county sheriff’s office and state police closed Highway 64 to protect the public and emergency personnel. "The fire ultimately expanded to 1,200 acres driven by wind, terrain, and available fuels," he said.

Saddlebaugh praised the readiness and interagency cooperation of local fire departments and other responders, saying the outcome reflected “exceptional readiness, training, and professionalism” and helped prevent loss of structures.

The marshal urged residents to follow current burn restrictions and stressed that changing wind conditions can rapidly increase danger. He said a shift in wind direction during the incident reduced immediate threat and allowed crews to transition from structure protection to broader containment objectives.

The county manager and commissioners acknowledged the report and the need for continued coordination as the fire season proceeds. No formal action was required; the report was entered into the record and staff advised continued public messaging on burn restrictions.