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Boulder County, CO Helicopter Activity Expected Tuesday Oct 13
Boulder County, CO — Residents and visitors near Eldorado Canyon State Park could notice increased helicopter activity Tuesday, October 13, as Colorado emergency crews conduct specialized aerial train
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-13T02:15:13.436Z
Boulder County, CO — Residents and visitors near Eldorado Canyon State Park could notice increased helicopter activity Tuesday, October 13, as Colorado emergency crews conduct specialized aerial training involving hovering aircraft and personnel entering and exiting helicopters.
According to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control DFPC , Flatiron Helitack will conduct training at Eldorado Canyon State Park, southwest of Boulder, on Tuesday, weather permitting. Helicopter activity is expected between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with operations occurring in periods lasting approximately two to four hours.
The scheduled exercises are designed to improve coordination among emergency responders preparing for wildfires and search and rescue missions across Colorado's Front Range.
During the training, helicopters will hover for short periods while crew members repeatedly practice entering and exiting the aircraft. These exercises help personnel develop the skills necessary to operate safely in difficult terrain and emergency conditions.
Flatiron Helitack is based in Broomfield and supports aerial firefighting and search and rescue operations throughout the region, including areas where residential neighborhoods meet wildland vegetation.
That interface, commonly called the wildland urban interface, presents unique challenges for firefighters responding to rapidly developing wildfires near populated communities.
For residents of Boulder County and surrounding Front Range communities, Tuesday's training could result in noticeable helicopter movements around Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Visitors planning outdoor activities in the area should be aware of the scheduled operations. Officials have not announced park closures or traffic restrictions in connection with the exercise.
The training remains dependent on weather conditions, meaning activity could change if conditions become unfavorable.
Residents who observe helicopters hovering or conducting repeated maneuvers Tuesday should know that these activities are part of a planned emergency response training exercise rather than an indication of an active wildfire or rescue operation.