NEDERLAND — A Nederland resident out for a late-night walk saw the shimmer of flames in Chipeta Park from across the creek; their call had Nederland Fire Protection District (NFPD), Sugarloaf Fire Protection District, Timberline Fire Protection District, and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) responding by 2:28 a.m. on April 8, 2026, to the corner of the park’s parking lot, where two porta-potties and a nearby tree were actively burning. 

Luckily, crews put out the fire quickly and assessed the nearby area to assure the fire had not spread to any adjacent fuels, including the dry brush that aligns the side of the hill leading up to Lakeview Drive. Due to the expediency with which responders handled the situation, all en route mutual aid was canceled. 

An investigation by NFPD, BCSO, and the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control is currently underway, as the fire is presumed to be an act of arson based on the nature of the incident and on preliminary findings at the scene. 

Though acts of arson are not too common in Nederland, acts of potential violence and vandalism is a regular occurrence during the warmer months, especially in and surrounding the Chipeta Park area. In addition to the park’s covered pavilion, which experienced some vandalism and damage to their bathrooms and water fountains last year, there were also reports of arguing and fighting among fishermen along the creek and reservoir throughout the summer. 

An influx of unhoused campers in the spring and summer months also brings unpredictability to downtown Nederland, as, again, the Chipeta Park pavilion is often utilized by newcomers as a “safe space” to sleep at night. 

“As fire conditions continue to worsen in and around Nederland, NFPD remains committed to community safety,” reads a Press Release from Fire Marshal Andrew Joslin and the NFPD released the morning of April 13. “We are requesting the public's assistance with any information related to the events leading up to this incident.”

If looking closely enough, you can see where the trees needles turn from green to black.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Anyone with information should contact Fire Marshal Joslin at info@nederlandfire.org or call 303-258-9161, extension 104.