LCSO: Aircraft crash site located, pilot and only occupant did not survive

Tragic news came from the frontlines of the fight against the Kruger Rock Fire on Tuesday evening as the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and other authorities responded to a singe engine plane crash that was being used to help fight the fire. AS of 10:30 p.m. the crash site had been located and officials say the pilot did not survive.

“On Nov. 16, 2021, at approximately 6:37 p.m., we received reports of a single engine air tanker crash south of Estes Park,” a news release from the LCSO said. “Resources were immediately deployed to search the area.  At approximately 9:49 p.m., the plane crash site was located near the south end of Hermit Park.  We are sad to report that the pilot and only occupant of the aircraft did not survive.  The investigation into the crash will be led by the FAA and NTSB.”

Rep. Joe Neguse tweeted his thoughts on the situation around 8:45 p.m.

“Keeping the brave pilot and his family in my thoughts and prayers — and all of the brave first responders and firefighters protecting Estes Park and our entire community,” the Congressman’s account said.

“Our prayers are with the pilot, their family, their aviation family and the firefighting community,” said a spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis’ office.

Sheriff Justin Smith released this statement on Facebook around midnight:

“Just down from the Kruger Fire. The LCSO and all agencies on this fire are devastated by the loss of a dedicated and brave pilot and his plane earlier this evening on this fire. Our prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues. Our office will be jointly investigating the crash along with the FAA and NTSB. Winds in the area remain a challenge. For those in the Estes Valley, earlier this evening as skies got dark, you were able to witness the fire that was still active just to the east of Little Valley Road. That is why we were not able to repopulate that area. We are also concerned with which direction it may move overnight and how quickly that can happen. That is why we did not feel comfortable lifting any evacuation orders tonight. We will reevaluate throughout the day tomorrow. As mentioned by our office, command of the fire will transition over to the USFS tomorrow morning as the vast majority of the fire is on USFS property, however personnel from all the cooperating agencies will remain involved. The USFS will take the lead on fire information, but the LCSO will take the lead on citizen information on closures of roads and evacuations. Please pray for protection of those fire personnel!”

The release from the LCSO goes details the timeline of the Kruger Rock Fire. You can read that full release below.

LCSO release

On November 16, 2021, at about 6:50 a.m., a small wildfire was reported near Little Valley Road and Fish Creek Road southeast of Estes Park.  Multiple resources responded and found the fire burning in very steep terrain.  Gusting winds and low relative humidity caused the fire to spread quickly and threatened several structures in the area.  Multiple voluntary and mandatory evacuations were ordered during the day and notifications were sent to 1,644 contacts (not individuals or homes).  No structure damage has been reported.

Despite the gusting winds, air resources were utilized to make water and suppressant drops.  More air resources are ordered for tomorrow along with additional fire crews.

As of 6:20 p.m., the fire was estimated at 133 acres with 15 percent containment.  Fire crews will remain on the fire monitoring overnight and operations will continue tomorrow morning.  The LCSO Joint Information Center (970-980-2500) closed at 6:30 p.m. tonight and will be open again at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Over 150 personnel were on the fire today from LCSO Emergency Services, LCSO Initial Attack Module, Larimer County Parks, Colorado State Patrol, Estes Valley Fire Protection District, Estes Park PD, Town of Estes Park, Glenhaven Fire, LCSO Posse, LCSO All-Hazards/Crisis Response Team, Poudre Fire Authority, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Berthoud Fire Protection District, Boulder County, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Allenspark Fire, United States Forest Service, Rocky Mountain National Park, and CDOT.

The LCSO Joint Information Center (970-980-2500) closed at 6:30 p.m. and will open again at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.  Please https://www.larimer.org/kruger-rock-fire for more information.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has revealed high winds blew a tree onto a nearby powerline causing it to arc and start the fire.

This will be the last update for the evening unless conditions change.