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- calendar_today October 30, 2026
Douglas County Introduces New Helitack Hangar
On Thursday, multiple agencies in Douglas County, Colorado, gathered to reveal the new Helitack Hangar, advancing the region's capability to fight wildfires. According to county officials, Douglas County is now the first and only county in the state to operate its own county-led firefighting helicopter, marking what is described as a significant milestone in public safety infrastructure.
Enhancing Wildfire Response and Public Safety
The investment in the helitack hangar is directly tied to boosting aerospace and ground-based wildfire response capacity in Douglas County. Officials acknowledged the diverse terrains and the varying wildfire risk across the county. The new helicopter and its dedicated hangar are expected to enable faster emergency response and improved wildfire protection for local communities. "The hangar will provide a permanent home for Douglas County’s Helitack helicopter and firefighting personnel, ensuring critical aerial firefighting resources are protected, maintained, and ready to deploy when wildfire threatens the community," stated the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in a press release.
Facility Details and Strategic Location
Renderings of the upcoming facility were shared during the press conference. The hangar will be built adjacent to a roadway training area that serves other emergency response agencies, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The hangar will house both the helicopter and the firefighting personnel, reinforcing the county's commitment to public safety and emergency readiness.
Project Approval and Financial Commitment
The project for the helitack hangar received unanimous approval from the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. The anticipated total cost of the project is approximately $4.2 million. Officials highlighted this as a pivotal investment not only in protecting residents and homes but also in safeguarding open space from the threat of catastrophic wildfire within the county.
Integration with the Regional Joint Public Safety Training Center
The new hangar will become part of Douglas County’s Regional Joint Public Safety Training Center. This center will also feature a training facility for law enforcement and wildfire response as well as a training equipment facility. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the joint center will enhance regional training and coordination across agencies involved in emergency and wildfire response.
Anticipated Timeline and Future Outlook
Construction of the helitack hangar is expected to be completed in 2027, according to details shared by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. County leaders emphasized that investing in aerial firefighting resources is a significant step toward safeguarding the community from increasing wildfire threats, ensuring the county remains prepared to face future challenges.
Source: kdvr.com.
