DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — Douglas County leaders, public safety officials, and first responders broke ground Thursday on a new hangar that will provide a permanent home for the County’s Helitack helicopter and firefighting personnel. The facility will protect critical aerial resources, support year-round readiness, and create additional opportunities for public safety agencies to train together.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $4.2 million construction contract for the facility on June 23, with completion anticipated in 2027. The 10,000-square-foot facility will include a 120-by-88-foot landing pad and a hangar door measuring 70 feet wide and 20 feet tall. In addition to protecting the helicopter from severe weather, the facility will provide space for security, maintenance, storage, offices and Helitack operations. It also represents the first phase of the expansion of a Regional Joint Public Safety Training Center.
“Wildfire preparedness is one of the most significant investments we can make in protecting our community,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “Douglas County is unique in having its own Helitack team, and this hangar will ensure those resources are protected and ready to respond at any time, in any weather. For residents, that means we’re preparing now for the moment a wildfire threatens their neighborhood, when every minute matters.”
Since 2018, Douglas County Helitack has safely completed 394 flight missions, including 142 wildfire responses. The program has supported the response to major wildfires in Douglas County, including the Chatridge 1 and 2 fires, the Louviers/Airport Fire and the Penley Fire.
“Douglas County Helitack operates at the tip of the spear for Colorado Wildfire Initial Attack,” Director of the Douglas County Office of Emergency Management Mike Alexander said. “The threat of wildfire exists year-round, and this hangar ensures our firefighting helicopter will remain mission-ready and protected from the elements like wind, hail, lightning, ice, and snow.”
The locally based helicopter and crew allow Douglas County to rapidly deploy aerial firefighting resources in support of firefighters on the ground. The new hangar will help protect the public’s investment in the aircraft while supporting the personnel responsible for its operation and maintenance.
“As a Douglas County resident, wildfire preparedness is personal to me,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “I have seen firsthand the coordination behind the response and the critical role our Helitack crew plays in protecting our neighbors and their homes. This hangar is a commitment to that crew and to the families who depend on them when a fire threatens.”
Douglas County is the only county in Colorado operating its own helicopter and Helitack program. In addition to providing a permanent base for the aircraft and crew, the facility will support coordinated training among law enforcement, fire agencies, emergency management personnel and regional partners.
“This hangar gives our first responders another important advantage as they work to protect Douglas County,” said Undersheriff Jason Kennedy. “It will keep our Helitack resources protected and ready to deploy, while creating a place where public safety partners can train together. When agencies train together, they perform together, and that makes our communities safer.”
About Douglas County Helitack
Douglas County Helitack provides aerial firefighting support for wildfire initial attack and works alongside the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, fire districts and regional partners to protect lives and property. Since 2018, the program has safely completed 394 flight missions, including 142 wildfire responses.
You can watch the ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/live/7d8lTvjTSXM.
