Fire Protection
Rising from the Flames: The Evolution of the Larkspur Fire Protection District
In the summer of 1962, a wildfire tore through the rugged terrain in the area of Tomah Road. The fire’s intensity required ingenuity on the fly. In one instance, a group of men, working in tandem with a bulldozer backfired in a critical area to stop the fire from spreading westward, saving a home.
This fire, fueled by tinder-dry conditions, was a wake-up call for the community, and underscored the areas vulnerability and the need for fire protection in the area.
The Birth of Larkspur Volunteer Fire Department
Following the fire, a committee of determined citizens laid the groundwork for the Larkspur Volunteer Fire Department, which began operations in 1964. Initially, the department relied entirely on community donations, operating on a meager budget. The equipment was humble—first a chemical tank on a cart, pulled by hand, and later, a military surplus forestry truck donated by the City of Fort Collins. The journey to retrieve this truck from Fort Collins was arduous, with the vehicle breaking down repeatedly on its way to Larkspur.
The department’s first firehouse, built on donated land, was a modest 3-bay structure funded by loans. Over time, it grew to 6 bays with a second-story meeting room, becoming the heart of the community’s fire protection efforts.
From Volunteers to a District
In 1971, the Larkspur Fire Protection District was officially established, allowing the department to collect property taxes and move beyond reliance on donations. This marked a turning point, providing a stable funding source to better serve the growing community.
Bald Mountain Fire Protection District
By 1982, another vulnerable area in Douglas County—the region from Best Road to El Paso County Road and east almost to Highway 83—was identified as a “no man’s land,” lacking fire protection coverage. Residents of this southeastern area near Castle Rock voted to create the Bald Mountain Fire Protection District. This new district served as a lifeline for the area, protecting homes and wildlands alike.
In 1991, the Bald Mountain Fire Protection District was dissolved and incorporated into the Larkspur Fire Protection District. This expansion unified fire protection efforts across the region, creating a more cohesive and efficient organization.
A Legacy of Community and Adaptation
In its early years, the Larkspur Volunteer Fire Department relied heavily on its residents. During the day, when most men worked outside the area, local women stepped in as primary first responders. In fact, it was a group of women and one elderly gentleman who first put the department’s new fire truck to use battling a blaze.
As the community grew, so did the department’s responsibilities. In 1997, the district adapted to the loss of commercial ambulance services by hiring full-time firefighters and paramedics. This transition led to the establishment of three rotating shifts and paramedic ambulances stationed at two locations.
Both Station 161 in Larkspur and Station 162 in Perry Park underwent major upgrades, with Station 161 receiving expanded living quarters, administrative offices, storage, and a firefighter gymnasium in 2010. These improvements reflected the district’s commitment to modernizing its facilities and providing top-tier emergency services.
Today’s Larkspur Fire Protection District
What began as a grassroots effort to fight fires with minimal tools has evolved into a professional, highly trained organization. The Larkspur Fire Protection District now stands ready to respond a wide array of emergencies, from structure and wildland fires to hazardous material incidents and advanced life support medical emergencies.
Through decades of growth and adaptation, the Larkspur Fire Protection District has remained true to its founding spirit: a community united in its determination to protect and serve. What started as a response to a devastating fire has become a a community institution.
