It was the fire nobody expected. In fact, January is usually the setting for what’s known as “stock

show weather,” the winter streak of temperatures that can dip to zero and beyond. But in January 2009, the weather had been mild and dry. So dry that the fire danger reached extreme levels. And then the winds came. High double-digit gusts in Boulder County blew over power lines that sparked fires further fanned by the relentless winds.   And that was a recipe for the fire that took Boulder open space by storm.

The western dividing line between open space and homes

Although the Dakota Ridge developers inserted firebreaks between the open space and the homes in case of just such an event, and backburning efforts prevented additional threats, the firefighters who worked all day and all night under intense conditions to contain the fire in 24 hours are the real heroes and heroines in what could have been a much bleaker story.

Most of the Dakota Ridge community, evacuated at about 5:00 PM the day of the fire, was re-opened to residents the morning after evacuation. Emergency personnel, faced with the tough job of denying access to commuters trying to get home after work the day of the fire, rem

The outpost for firefighters and emergency personnel during the fire.

ained personable and professional. Although residents were biting their nails all day and all night, no violence or acts of mischief were reported. Now that the action has died down, open space is back to normal, with hikers taking to the trails; the hills of Boulder are sure to look a little greener this spring.

Where the buck stopped between the north end of Dakota Ridge and the fire.