Several sources of information concerning the Black Forest Fire are offered within this page. The interactive table below includes a paraphrased transcription of radio transmissions aired on the primary fire radio channels used during the first four hours of the Black Forest Fire. These radio channels or talk groups include RED, C2, C5, FM (Fire Marshal) and OEM (Office of Emergency Management). The document also includes summations of pertinent phone calls between El Paso County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers, firefighters and Pueblo Interagency Dispatch (Forest Service dispatched from Pueblo), as well as notes taken by the Tactical Dispatcher assigned on scene to the Incident Commander.

The items/transmissions within the interactive table not only identify progress of the fire, but also reveal specific time stamps concerning changes in management (Incident Command). Documents, photographs, and/or maps relevant to those topics are also included at the appropriate time stamps and can be viewed by selecting the red button next to the entry. Devices which use touch screen technology (iPhone, iPad, etc) will not allow you to scroll through multi-page documents; these must be viewed from your laptop or desktop computer. The documents available within the table include:

  • Media Release from the Black Forest Fire/Rescue District, dated 12/10/13, which describes their proposed timeline of events
  • Photographs courtesy of Judy Von Ahlefeldt – Black Forest News
  • Fire Progression and Evacuation Maps
  • Notes taken by the tactical dispatcher (TDU) assigned on scene to Incident Command
  • Photograph courtesy of Sheriff Terry Maketa
  • Colorado Revised Statute (CRS) – Sheriff to act as fire warden
  • Colorado Revised Statute (CRS) – Duties of Sheriff – coordination of fire suppression
  • Assumption of Control
  • Delegation of Authority

The actual radio transmissions or recorded phone calls have been included in the table and can be heard by selecting the sound icon next to the entry. Some transmissions include more conversation than the text field indicates, as we have reduced the table to the most relevant points. Red text has been used to further emphasize points of fire movement, damage to homes, and changes in Incident Command. If you experience problems with the same audio playing under each entry, it’s likely a problem with your internet browser, especially when using Internet Explorer 9; consider using a different browser. A “mouse-over” feature has been added to the table. If you use your mouse to position your cursor over a call sign listed in the “unit” field, the person or agency information will be shown. For example, if you position your cursor over “3001”, you will learn the 3001 call sign is assigned to El Paso County Assistant Fire Marshal Scott Campbell. The “mouse over” will not operate on a smart phone or tablet device.

To view nationally accepted practices and responsibilities of Incident Command, click here:
The following resources are found within the Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide.

Audio Time Talk Group Unit Comments
11:54 PHONE 911 Call Smell of smoke, lives in Monument near Mt Herman - Caller is on Shiloh Pines, reporting smell of smoke and sees haze.
11:55 PHONE 911 Call In Woodmen Valley, we are smelling smoke and very hazy sky.  Caller is off of Eastwood Rd. Smoke coming from southwest of location.
12:32 RED 710 710, private line call for smoke investigation, smoke in the air 8875 Whispering Pine Dr. (private line call was placed direct to Black Forest FD)
13:40 RED 700 Fire dispatch 700, you might start getting more call of localized smoke, looks like there is a fire in Canon City, pretty good column on Hodgen Rd.
13:42 PHONE 911 Call Personnel from the USAFA reporting their air traffic control tower is reporting seeing smoke somewhere near New Life Church.
13:44 PHONE 911 Call Citizen reports seeing large amounts of smoke near Highway 83 and Shoup, perhaps east of that location. Caller does not see flames but reports the smoke is changing colors.
13:44 PHONE 911 Call Citizen reporting smoke billowing from the trees along Shoup Road, east of Oak Cliff Drive or New Breed Drive. Citizen calling from the area of Shoup and New Breed.
13:44 PHONE 911 Call Citizen reports a fire in Black Forest. She does not see flames, just black and white smoke. Caller believes it’s two miles from her location.
13:45 PHONE 911 Call Citizen reports a fire in Cathedral Pines near Milam and Shoup. The caller sees black smoke and knows the area is a residential area. No flames are scene. The dispatcher informs the caller there are several other calls coming in reporting the fire and if the caller sees fire nearing them to move to a safe location.
13:50 RED 501 Check with Pueblo Dispatch on the availability of air resources.
13:53 RED 3001 Find the lat/long, put in an order for 2 heavy air tankers to Pueblo on my order, immediate go.
13:53 RED 3001 Request from Pueblo Dispatch type 3 helicopter out of Monument, they have permission to dip.
13:55 PHONE Dispatch to PFS Call placed to Pueblo Interagency Dispatch requesting 2 heavy air tankers on immediate go out of Pueblo and a type 3 helo out of Monument. Pueblo checks and determines the helicopter assets are unavailable. They will advise if the air tanker and Type 1 is available.
13:57 RED 3001 Check on the availability of the type 1 helicopter, should be in Rifle; find out an ETA and if available.
13:58 FM 3001 Hey Bob did you copy those asset orders I put in?
13:58 FM 700 Yeah, I kinda caught them.  It looks like we're starting to make some good progress on this Scott, and catching it at this one address up off of Falcon.
13:58 FM 3001 Ok, yeah there's no heavies to get but we'll try to get them moving. We might get a seat, probably get the type 3 helicopter out of Monument going there pretty quick.
13:58 FM 700 Copy that, right now I have DWFD and BFFD extending hose lays around this top end of it. Looks like we have a pretty good anchor; and yeah, that column south doesn't look like it's going to get a lot of resources from us.
13:58 FM 3001 Ok, so I'm gonna keep it coming till you get there. Do you guys got Springs stuff ordered up as structure protection or do you need that yet? 
14:01 RED 3001 Let Pueblo Dispatch know that I have requested Squad 91 (USFS Hand Crew) from Monument as well.
14:03 RED 700 700 will be command, this will be the Falcon Fire, 15 acres, mixed pine, the progress is actually slowing at this time.
14:03 PHONE Dispatch to PFS Calling Pueblo with request for BF Fire - Squad 91 from Monument; also new fire reported on Gold Camp Rd - later unfounded.
14:12 PHONE S. Campbell Call from S. Campbell: STAND UP Emergency Operation Center (EOC), need Lieutenant (LT) and Incident Command Post (ICP); need to start evacs soon, notify Cmdr King.
14:17 PHONE   Commander King is advised we are standing up EOC, request LT, starting evacs in 15-20 minutes
14:18 C2 2200 Command from 2200 - if you do have a type 6, we have a garage that's going to get going momentarily.
14:18 C2 LARK 161 Command Larkspur Brush 161 avail, do you need a hand?
14:18 C2 700 What's your location?
14:18 C2 LARK 161 I-25 at the 167
14:18 C2 700 Copy that. Just about ears up in case something gets stripped out and needs help.
14:18 C2 542 Command, 542 (no answer from command)
14:19 C2 700 Command to 500, can you get a grip on what tenders are here and where we can get them reserviced the fastest; copy water supply, I'll take care of it.
14:19 C2 2242 Command 2242, on scene off Peregrine 12680. We have good access We need to get some more water in here. We have a 300 yard spread. It's starting to crown on this side. We need more Type 6 and tenders to our location.
14:19 C2 700 Command copies, we will see if we can get 2260 into you?
14:19 C2 762 762 at Peregrine and Darr
14:19 C2 Unknown Unit Command, emergency traffic, big wind storm pushing fire to west, garage involved, house is almost involved, pulling everyone back.
14:20 C2 700 Copy, is that the house on top, (other unit) affirm, the house on top here with our units and yours?
14:20 C2 742 742, we have a crew of 3 enroute to your location. Where would you like us to go? Command - Come up Falcon, copy.
14:20 C2 757 Command, that fire run is running up to 4385 Darr Rd. 757, we are going to try and reposition to try and save that home.
14:20 C2 700 Command copies, make sure you are in a safe position and let it come through.
14:21 C2 3001 3001 on C2 to Command, we would like to shut Shoup down for access in. (no answer from command)
14:23 RED 700 700 calling Dispatch (Falcon Command), I need about 5 deputies out in the area, we are going to start some evacuations.
14:25 C2 Water Supply Command from water supply, have 200 kids at Cathedral Pines, do you want me to evacuate them?
14:25 C2 700 Please do, let's get them all moved out; it doesn’t look like we are going to hold it.
14:26 C2 Unknown Unit Command, Darr and Peregrine have been overrun.
14:27 PHONE S. Campbell 3001 - Request that a second Tactical Dispatcher (TDU) be called in. Close Shoup Rd from Milam to 83, evacuate polygon [south=Shoup, west=Falcon, east=Milam]; also note, BFFD is retaining command on this fire.
14:27 C2 2242 Command, 2242, 12680 Peregrine, we told homeowners to evacuate; there is a 50 yd perimeter between fire and house. (command copies)
14:28 C2 Unknown Unit Command, fire has jumped Peregrine.
14:31 RED 711 East Tahosa Lane, private line call, smoke coming from the house, not able to give the address.
14:36 C2 542 Command from 542, just FYI, we lost garage but holding onto house.
14:36 C2 Operations Command, Operations, let's pull the trigger on evacuating Cathedral Pines.
14:36 C2 Operations Ok, we are going to make a hold, I would do Milam Rd to the east.
14:37 C2 Operations We are starting to get spotting east of Milam.
14:38 C2 762 Command 762, I've got Mt View Electric, power has been cut on Peregrine Way, I also have fire north of Darr Cir on Peregrine, that is east of Peregrine, Mt View reports fire on Peregrine way at Peregrine Cir. (command copies)
N/A 14:41 Photograph Provided by Judy Von Ahlefeldt, Black Forest News.
14:43 RED 500 Dispatch gives new fire information (outside fire, heavy smoke, Steppler and Hodgen, Glider Loop) requesting if dispatch needs to send a unit or considered the same?  500 responds, send units.
N/A 14:45 Fire Progression There were no mandatory or voluntary evacuations ordered at this time.
14:45 C2 Operations Command from Operations, we need to stick at least 4 more engines on Milam to start these spot fires and evacuate to BF Rd ,if we haven't already.
14:46 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 14:27 by Scott Campbell (EPC Assistant Fire Marshal).
14:47 C2 2242 2242, 12775 Peregrine, this house is saveable if we can get another Type 6 and a Tender.
14:47 Photograph Provided by Judy Von Ahlefeldt, Black Forest News.
14:48 C2 701 Command, 701, on Peregrine, fire threatening structure at 13000 block.
14:49 C2 Operations Command from operations, have we gotten any aircraft on this yet?
14:49 C2 Operations Merry Christmas, not available - operations received.
14:50 C2 Dispatch Command, Fire Dispatch, can I get an update on any structures?
14:50 C2 700 We can't provide that at this point.
14:51 PHONE Baxter Patty Baxter (EOC) calls with EVAC orders: Mandatory: Tahosa to Holmes, Shoup to (piece together north boundary) Voluntary: Holmes to Black Forest, Shoup to Hodgen.
14:52 C2 Water Supply Need to push traffic closure back to 83/Powers. - Command, good idea go ahead.
14:55 C2 542 Operations from 542, we are up on the ridge with the house with 741, fire has blown past, we feel we can cover this with just 1 truck and tender just to keep house cool, you can reassign other units somewhere else.
15:00 C2 710 Had to evacuate 4385 Peregrine, had a run on us again; Making our way back down Darr to Peregrine Way. (operations copy)
15:01 RED 707 Okay, the fire has crossed Peregrine so it's probably associated with this fire. I'm going to assume that the original address is also in there.  Right now, I'm going to 13260 to look for someone who is stranded at that address.
15:03 C2 701 Command, 701, we had a shift in wind, fire moved to Peregrine Circle, we have at least 1 structure threatened, topping off Engine 19 for reassignment.
15:06 C2 Unknown Unit Command, reports of fire north of north of Peregrine, north of Peregrine, in the north part of the circle. Copy that, north of Peregrine. 
15:08 C2 700 We have another Tender, another Type 1 engine arriving from Air Force Academy, and Vinnie was going to order more tenders to get them enroute; plus, a strike team from Douglas County and I'm getting ready to go out and ask for more resources from El Paso County. 
15:09 C2 Operations Ok, cause there's a good chance, uh, that we will not hold it on Saxon Hollow or Milam.  Actually, east of Milam we're actually starting to build up a pretty nice column again. 
15:09 C2 Operations Negative on north of Saxon Hollow, but possibly or high probability of spot fires across.
15:09 C2 742 Scott Ridings, Black Forest 742.
N/A 15:09 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 14:51 by Patty Baxter (Emergency Services Manager, Sheriff's Office).
15:12 C2 742 Command, 742 we have a house involved on Darr Dr backing up to Milam. (command copies)
N/A 15:13 NOTE Z-76 GeoCast request North to Shoup, East to Black Forest and West to Hodgen.
15:13 C2 Unknown Unit Command, 13150 is most likely gone. Copy that, 1350 gone. 
15:14 C2 742 Command 742, if we have available units to come up Milam, it's getting ready to jump Milam here about a quarter mile up from the park.
15:14 C2 700 Copy that, there's some re-servicing I'll send your way.
N/A 15:15 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 14:51 by Patty Baxter (Emergency Services Manager, Sheriff's Office).
15:19 C2 Operations 562 from operations You're going to be Milam task force and you're gonna have Colorado Springs Wildland 9, 711, and 541 as part of your task force. 
15:19 C2 700 Operations, this is command, I have 3 engines and tender headed up Milam right now.  I have a Peyton big tender and a constructions tender down on Shoup and Falcon, and we have more tenders on the way in.
15:20 C2 701 Command, 701  Yes sir, up here on north east on Peregrine if we could get a Type 6 or two. Our fire up here is moving, but we can attack it.  Up on top of Peregrine?  Affirm, just north of Peregrine circle.  We've lost everything up to Peregrine Circle at this time. Copy that. 
N/A 15:24 Note Z-76 Geocast request move over to Tahosa
15:24 C2 Operations Milam task force from operations, we need you to relocate to Saxon Hollow and Milam and start some structure protection west of that.
15:26 RED 3146 At Black Forest staging.
N/A 15:26 NOTE Staff 1 Sheriff Maketa arrives on scene.
15:27 C5 Operations Command from Operations on C5. Ops this is Command on C5. Yeah, any additional resources we just need to have them report to the Milam and Saxon Hollow area.  We're going to have to structure protect all 8 of those houses that we were discussing earlier; and it's within minutes. Copy that, if they come in we're just sending them directly through to Milam Road heading up to meet up with you and Ribitski. Received.
N/A 15:27 NOTE Z-76 700 phone notifications sent out to residents by GeoCast mass call.
N/A 15:31 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 14:51 by Patty Baxter (Emergency Services Manager, Sheriff's Office).
15:32 C2 Dispatch Be advised that in the backyard of 13150 Peregrine, I believe that house has already burned; there is a 300 gallon gas tank that is full.
N/A 15:36 Photograph Provided by Sheriff Terry Maketa, El Paso County Sheriff's Office
15:41 PHONE PFS Pueblo Forest Service (PFS) advises Tanker 40 is about 40 minutes out.  Air to Ground frequency 169.0875.  Tanker 40 is first inbound. Info doc in master call for service.
15:41 C5 Operations Command from Operations on C5, we are starting to get some resources on the northern part of Saxton Hollow, all 8 houses threatened at this time.
15:41 C5 700 Operations, Command, we are going to use that mobile communications post at the Black Forest Park, we will be able to move there in a few minutes.
16:18 C2 Douglas County TF Yeah, Chief.  We got this fire on the east side of Milam making a pretty decent run at this one house over here trying to keep it off of that right now.  Also let command know there's a good chance that Armstrong helicopter is going to be available in about 5-10 minutes.
16:31 C2 Dispatch Z-76 couple things, SHFD has a type 1 and type 6 available if you need them; and there are several people trying to reach command on this channel at this time.
16:32 C2 Command This is Command on C2, on Z-76 phone for just a few minutes.
16:33 C2 Command Affirm for now, in process of reorganize, have them move to staging area and will figure it out from there.
16:33 C2 Command (500) Ok, we'll hold there. We'll have an organizational meeting here.  This is 500, I'll be temporarily in command for a few minutes.
N/A   NOTE   500 is serving as interim command as Black Forest Fire Chief Harvey, Sheriff Maketa, Undersheriff Presley, Scott Campbell and the State Fire Management Officer have discussions to formalize the transfer of command from the district level, to the county, to the State.
16:39 C2 Douglas County TF I'm gonna try to get face to face with you to coordinate the switching over to mac channel.  Right now, we're pretty heavily engaged on the east side of Milam protecting a structure and keeping fire off the road.
16:42 OEM Z-76 Helo of the Rockies not available - observation heli's available but no buckets.
16:46 C2 Battalion 9 Command Command Battalion 9 on C2.  Immediate threats to structures.  Need 3 Ttype 6 engines.
16:46 C2 Operations You need to round some more up. It's making a really good push towards Milam right now. It's gonna jump it's just to the southern portion here of Black Forest Regional Park.
N/A 16:49 NOTE Z-76 Command transferred from Chief Harvey to Scott Campbell  
N/A   NOTE   Scott Campbell assigned by the State Fire Management Officer and serving as the Type 3 Incident Commander. Official documents relating to the Assumption of Command by the State from El Paso County were drafted at approximately 17:20, Delegation of Authority documentation identifying Scott Campbell as the Type 3 Incident Commander was drafted at approximately 20:23.
16:51 RED Z-76 I tried cell and other channels. Can you copy information? I need a Geocast sent, mandatory evacuation - S Shoup, E Herring, N Hodgen, W Tahosa.
16:55 RED Z-76 I need you to take that polygon and extend it up to Vollmer, voluntary evacuation.
16:58 RED Z-76 The last polygon, for voluntary up to Vollmer has become mandatory.
17:00 RED Z-76 Copy, voluntary GeoCast/ Tahosa and south of Shoup, Burgess on the south and east to Vollmer. Copy pre-evac boundaries,  Vollmer and Meridian using that Shoup line off of Hodgen on the North.
17:00 C2 Command For just a few minutes just stage where you're at. We're trying to get this incident reorganized so give me just a couple minutes but I think you'll be ok where you're at for now.
17:00 C2 Z-78 Copy some requests. Need 5 Strike Teams either Type 1 or Type 3 with strike leader for immediate dispatch from State EOC or Pueblo. Also need night ops starting at 2200. Additionally, beginning at 2200 need 10 Strike teams either Type 1 or Type 3 with Strike Leader. Staging for all units is Fox Run Park.
17:04 C2 Dispatch You're cutting out...Tahosa to the north, south of Shoup east to Vollmer.
17:05 C2 Z-76 Affirm, south of Shoup, Burgess will be your southern boundary, and then east to Vollmer. It's a voluntary evacuation.
17:05 C2 Z-76 Okay for pre-evacuation, from Vollmer and Meridian you're gonna use Shoup on one side and Hodgen on the north.
17:05 C2 Z-76 Vollmer and Meridian, use Shoup as one boundary and then Hodgen on the north.
17:05 C2 Harvey Can you get the message to them? We're gonna have to go ahead and start moving back to Herring Rd.  We're already getting spot fires along Black Forest near Wolford Elementary.
17:08 C2 Command If you're the one putting together those evacs, probably need to push those out further. Chief Harvey is already saying we're already getting spot fires over towards that direction.
17:08 C2 Z-76 I copy, 3001 has assumed Command, at this point we're going to stick with those boundaries.
17:08 C2 Command Copy 3001, from Falcon Command
17:08 C2 500 500, go for 3001.
17:08 C2 Command Have you assumed command or am I still interim command?
17:08 C2 3001 3001, go ahead.
17:08 C2 Command Scott, have you assumed command or am I still acting interim command?
17:09 C2 3001 Yes, I have now assumed command; thank you.
17:12 C2 703 Operations 703 we got heavy fire spotting on Black Forest Rd, 14060.
17:13 C2 703 It's jumped Black Forest Rd; it's over 100 yards east of Black Forest Rd at Swan. I'm turned up Elementary Dr headed for Wild Oak.
N/A 17:18 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 16:51 and 16:58 by Patty Baxter (Emergency Services Manager, Sheriff's Office).
N/A 17:34 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 16:59 by Z-76 (EPSO Tactical Dispatcher).
17:36 RED Z-76 Mandatory evac: Shoup on the south,  Meridian on the east, and Hodgen on the north.
N/A 17:47 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 17:05 by Patty Baxter (Emergency Services Manager, Sheriff's Office).
17:51 C2 Med Leader Black Forest and Brentwood, it jumped the road there. It's on a fence threatening a structure.
17:53 C2 Harvey Copy that, we're getting fire running up the drainage to Hodgen.  It's almost to Hodgen at this point between Herring and Black Forest.
17:55 C2 Med Leader 6820 Brentwood, it's jumped the road there at Black Forest, threatening several houses.  Just as information. We're trying to make sure nobody is in the houses.
N/A 18:37 GeoCast Sent Ordered at 18:21 by Z-76 (EPSO Tactical Dispatcher).
To view the dispatch timeline in its entirety, click here: