Hook & Ladder Academy is in full swing this week for teens from across the North Area. 20 academy participants are spending the week immersed in the fire service and gaining hands-on experience in: • Fire behavior • Search and rescue • Truck operations • Hose management • Auto extrication • EMS response • Technical rescue • Firefighter fitness • Wildland firefighting tactics Led by seasoned firefighters, this unique program gives local youth ages 15–18 an inside look at the fire service and what it takes to serve our communities.

Today, we gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Lt. Chad Tellinger, whose nearly 30 years of service left an immeasurable impact on North Metro Fire, the fire service, and the countless lives he touched along the way. A respected leader, mentor, union advocate, and firefighter, Tellinger dedicated his career to serving others, strengthening the profession, and investing in the people around him. From earning the Medal of Valor to mentoring future generations of firefighters, his commitment, professionalism, and passion for the job never wavered. While his accomplishments were many, those who knew Tellinger will also remember his humor, quick wit, and the camaraderie he brought to every station, training ground, and gathering. His legacy lives on through the firefighters he mentored, the members he represented, and the friendships he built throughout the fire service community. We extend our sincere gratitude to our first responder partners who stood alongside us as we honored one of our own. Your support, presence, and willingness to answer calls, cover responsibilities, and care for our communities allowed our members to focus on remembering a cherished firefighter. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and friendship. Lt. Tellinger was off duty when he passed away on May 20 due to illness.

On May 28 at approximately 9:40 p.m., North Metro Fire crews responded to a structure fire on 153rd Place in unincorporated Adams County. Upon arrival, firefighters found a detached two-story garage with fire showing through the roof. Due to the extent of the fire, additional resources were requested to assist with suppression efforts. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and prevented further extension. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. Thank you to our partners from @ThorntonFire, @WestyFire, and @AdamsCoSheriff for their assistance on scene.

On Friday, May 22, 2026, North Metro Fire was joined by the Broomfield and Northglenn Police Departments as we carried out the Honor Movement of Lt. Chad Tellinger from the Weld County Coroner’s Office to Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary. First responder agencies from across the region participated in honoring Lt. Tellinger, saluting from multiple overpasses and along roadways. The overwhelming outpouring of support and honor shown by our public safety partners from Greeley to Wheat Ridge was profoundly moving for all participants. The professionalism, respect, and unity displayed throughout the movement served as a powerful reminder of the strength of the first responder community and the bonds we share. Lt. Tellinger was off duty when he died on May 20, 2026 following an illness. He proudly served the community for 27 years. Honor Movement This honor movement was a ceremonial escort conducted to recognize and pay tribute to Lt. Tellinger, an active member of the organization who passed away, as his body was transported from the coroner’s office to the mortuary.

It is with great sadness that North Metro Fire Rescue District announces the off-duty death of Lieutenant Chad Tellinger due to illness. Chad was hired by North Metro in 1998 and proudly served the community and organization for more than 27 years. He was 52 years old. Chad was a highly respected firefighter, mentor, IAFF Local 2203 leader, and beloved family man whose loss is deeply felt across the North Metro family. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two sisters, and his mother. The District is working closely with Chad’s family to coordinate services and support. With the family’s permission, additional information will be shared in the coming days.

A few seconds of attention can prevent a lifetime of consequences. At approximately 3:20 p.m. yesterday afternoon, crews from Westminster Fire and North Metro Fire responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 36 that required patient assessment and vehicle extrication. Firefighters worked quickly to stabilize the scene, assist patients and safely remove one individual from a vehicle. Two patients were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Crashes like this serve as an important reminder that distracted driving can change lives in an instant. Whether it’s a text message, GPS adjustment, eating, or simply taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds, distractions significantly increase the risk of a serious collision. Please help keep our roads safer by: • Putting your phone away while driving • Staying alert in heavy traffic and construction zones • Leaving extra following distance • Watching for sudden stops and changing road conditions Let’s work together to keep the roads safe!

Today and every day, we’re grateful for and proud of our firefighters. The incident below is just one of many ways they work to protect our community. At approximately 1:45 p.m., Engine 63 and Brush 63 were dispatched to a grass fire in Northglenn. Upon arrival, crews encountered a fast-moving fire in a dry, grassy field. As winds picked up, firefighters acted quickly to contain and extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged. However, this serves as an important reminder to talk with your kids about the dangers of playing with lighters. Two juveniles admitted to starting the fire while doing just that. On this International Firefighters’ Day, we thank those who serve. Your skill, dedication, and commitment to our community do not go unnoticed.

🚨 UPDATE 🚨 The suspect has been safely taken into custody, and there is no longer a threat to the community. Stem Lab, Hulstrom K-8 and Malley Drive Elementary are now off secure perimeter. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while officers worked this incident. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.

Did you know that some organic material, such as mulch, can autoignite? Keep this incident in mind on Red Flag Days like today 👇 At approximately 5:30 a.m. on April 22, Engine 63, Medic 63, Truck 62 and Battalion Chief 62 responded to a reported structure fire in Northglenn and arrived to find a front porch fire on a two-story home.  Firefighters quickly established command and used water cans to knock down the fire, stopping it before it could extend into the home. Crews checked for hidden heat, removed portions of the porch railing, and confirmed all hot spots were fully extinguished. No injuries were reported. Investigators determined the fire most likely originated in a plastic planter box holding a bag of potting mix. With prolonged high temperatures and direct sunlight, the organic material inside likely generated and retained heat—similar to how mulch or compost can, under the right conditions, begin to smolder or even ignite. While spontaneous ignition is uncommon, it can occur when heat builds in organic material and has nowhere to dissipate. This incident serves as a reminder to be careful with planter boxes, mulch, and other organic materials near homes—especially during hot weather. Here’s what you can do: ✅ Keep these materials away from structures when possible ✅ Ensure mulch is less than 3 inches in thickness when used in landscaping ✅ Avoid letting these materials dry out completely ✅ Use organic materials like mulch immediately after purchasing it ✅ Always keep an eye out for unusual heat or smoke ✅ Call 911 immediately if you see smoke or flames

Today we celebrated the kickoff of construction on the new Station 68 in western Broomfield. This project represents a strategic investment in public safety—designed to support continued growth, strengthen response capabilities, and enhance Advanced Life Support service on the west side of our district. Located near Simms Street and Callender Drive, the new station will replace the temporary Station 68 and house a four-person engine company, along with expanded training features like a rear training tower to support hands-on, real-world preparation. “This is not just our station. This is the community’s firehouse,” said Fire Chief Mark Daugherty. “This project is designed to deliver long-term value—placed where it has impact and built to meet the needs of those we serve.” Construction began in March and is anticipated to be complete in spring 2027. We’re proud to continue investing in infrastructure that supports readiness, professionalism, and accountability to our community.

Important Reminder: The use of model rockets is prohibited during a Level 2 Fire Ban—which is currently in effect throughout the district. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on March 23, E64 and Brush 67 were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire at the Broomfield Remote Control Drone Airfield Park. Upon arrival, crews located a small grass fire in flat terrain with a slow rate of spread. Using tactics recently practiced during annual wildland training, crews initiated a direct attack. During suppression efforts, winds increased, causing the fire to grow to approximately seven acres. Additional resources were requested, and a pre-evacuation warning was issued for nearby neighborhoods. A coordinated mobile attack by multiple units allowed crews to quickly contain the fire. No injuries were reported. The fire was determined to be accidental and human-caused. An individual using model rockets in dry grass sparked the fire. We appreciate our partner agencies, including @WestyFire and @BroomfieldPD, for their assistance. Thank you to the community members who called 911 after seeing smoke—early notification makes a critical difference. With current conditions, it doesn’t take much to start a wildfire. Please follow all fire restrictions and use extreme caution outdoors. Photo Info: These images were captured by dash cameras on apparatus operating at the scene.

Our wildland firefighters at the Qury Fire in South Dakota received a special gift from local children today. “The local kids decorated our bags. Very cool support from locals,” texted Engine Boss Craig Talbot when he sent the photo. Thanks in part to generosity like this, the crew is in good spirits. They continue to assist with perimeter control.

Since March 13, four wildland firefighters from North Metro Fire have been deployed to the Qury Fire in Custer County, South Dakota. Working 16-hour days in freezing temperatures, an engine boss and three wildland firefighters are assisting with perimeter control firing operations, holding, and mop up. We will continue to share updates on the deployment as more information becomes available.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning, crews responded to a call at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. Upon arrival, Engine 65 and ARFF 65 staged near the runway for an emergency landing involving a multi-engine aircraft with one engine shut down. The aircraft landed safely in a field near the runway, and no injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

This week, our community will see crews completing wildland training in open spaces across the district. Every line firefighter is training on: 🔥 Mobile attack operations 🔥 Progressive hose lays 🔥 Structure protection 🔥 Urban interface strategy and tactics Keeping these skills sharp means we’re protecting our district with strong local capabilities for rapid deployment when it’s needed.

The fire is estimated to be about 1/2 acre, crews are getting water on the fire now.