#BadgerCreekFire: Wildfire near Hartsel

Park County Alert
April 12, 2023 1:54 PM

Wildfire and Evacuations Ordered for Badger Creek Ranch Near Hartsel

An emergency shelter is in place at the Fairplay Community Center 880 Bogue Street Fairplay, CO 80440 and large animals or livestock can be moved to the Fairplay Fairgrounds.

More details, maps and information will be shared as soon as available.
parkco.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=909

Posted on: April 12, 2023
Wildfire and Evacuation Ordered for Badger Creek Ranch Near Hartsel

Park County, CO – A wildfire is burning near Latigo Loop and McMurray Road in Hartsel, CO. Evacuations have been ordered for the 5 mile radius for residents living in the Badger Creek Ranch area. Evacuations are mandatory. An emergency shelter is in place at the Fairplay Community Center 880 Bogue Street Fairplay, CO 80440 and large animals or livestock can be moved to the Fairplay Fairgrounds.

More details, maps and information will be shared as soon as available.

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parkco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=909

Evacuations ordered as fire spreads across 40 acres, threatening structures near Hartsel
By Bruce Finley | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: April 12, 2023

A wildfire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in South Park has burned more than 40 acres, threatening three structures, and county emergency managers ordered evacuations of people and animals.

The fire began on private land and was smoldering on dry terrain in the town of Hartsel near Latigo Loop and McMurray Road, Park County authorities said.

“We’re very concerned about the wind, the conditions. It is very high wind and low humidity,” Park County spokeswoman Emmy West said.

A helicopter was dropping buckets of water, trying to suppress flames.

Posted on: April 13, 2023
Sheriff Announces Cause of Badger Creek Fire

Park County, CO – Park County Sheriff, Tom McGraw, will be pursuing criminal charges related to the cause of the Badger Creek Fire that began yesterday and burned 41 acres near Hartsel. After an investigation, law enforcement believes the fire was a result of a homeowner careless actions on their private property, in violation of the local fire ban. The fire spread quickly and out of control due to the weather conditions.

Thanks to the efforts of the Harstel Fire Protection District and responding agencies, no structures have been lost. A firefighter suffered superficial burns during the response but did not require further medical attention. The fire is 100% contained and Hartsel Fire Protection District, Southern Park County Fire Protection District and federal crews continue to work on hot spots that remain. Smoke may be observed in the area. Residents remain under pre-evacuation and should continue to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

The county continues to be in a Stage 1 Fire Ban until further notice.

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Posted on: April 14, 2023
Update: Badger Creek Fire Pre-Evacuation Lifted

Park County, CO - The Badger Creek Fire pre-evacuation order has been lifted. We appreciate the efforts of the firefighters and the public's cooperation. The county remains under a Stage 1 Fire Ban until further notice.


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Posted on: April 18, 2023
Park County Sheriff Announces Arson Charges Related to Badger Creek Fire

Park County, CO – Park County Sheriff, Tom McGraw has announced charges have been brought against Park County resident, Robert L. Heneghan, 83 years of age, for Fourth Degree Arson for actions that lead to the Badger Creek Fire on April 12, 2023. This is a Class 4 Felony and Mr. Heneghan has been ordered to appear at the Park County Courthouse on May 15 to answer charges filed by the District Attorney.

There is probable cause to believe Mr. Heneghan started a fire on his property in the Badger Creek area resulting in roughly 41 acre wildfire that caused property damage, evacuations and injury to a firefighter.

“We are seeking criminal charges and will to the fullest extent of the law. Again, this fire was preventable. We remind the public that the county is in a Stage 1 Fire Ban which prohibits open flames, ashes or heat sources. We must all be more vigilant and think twice before working with anything outdoors that can create a spark,” said Sheriff McGraw.

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