Poudre Fire Authority Conducts Rope Rescue at Duncan's Ridge After Climber Falls
Poudre Fire Authority crews conducted a technical rope rescue operation November 28 at Duncan's Ridge near Horsetooth Reservoir after a person fell in the popular climbing area west of Fort Collins.
Firefighters set up rope rescue systems at the scene after receiving reports of a fallen victim. The incident occurred at the recreation site located approximately 15 minutes west of Fort Collins in Larimer County.
PFA did not release information about the victim's condition, the severity of injuries or whether the person was transported for medical treatment. The department confirmed crews were actively working the rescue operation as of approximately 9:15 p.m.
Duncan's Ridge Popular Destination for Rock Climbers
Duncan's Ridge sits within the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space at an elevation of 5,738 feet and has become a significant climbing destination for rope climbing enthusiasts in the Fort Collins area. The location features rock formations and cliff faces that can be top-roped, making it accessible for climbers of varying skill levels.
The climbing area is particularly popular among budget-conscious outdoor recreationists because the Duncan's Ridge parking lot does not require a Larimer County recreation pass, unlike many other parking areas around Horsetooth Reservoir.
The terrain at Duncan's Ridge presents inherent hazards including steep topography and significant rock faces that create risks of falls, entrapment and injuries requiring technical rescue response. One climbing approach involves a 0.15-mile hike described as notably steep.
Rope Rescue Demands Regular Response in Horsetooth Area
Poudre Fire Authority maintains specialized technical rescue capabilities specifically for operations at locations including Horsetooth Mountain Park, Duncan's Ridge and surrounding recreation areas. The department brought Heavy Rescue 4 into service in December 2024, a specialized vehicle designed as a mobile response platform for diverse rescue scenarios.
The apparatus carries comprehensive rope rescue equipment including class three harnesses for technical operations, RIT rope and packs, portable winches with receivers, and permanent winches on the front and rear of the vehicle. Additional equipment includes chains rated for overhead lifting, synthetic slings, block and tackle systems, grip hoists and paratech struts used for stabilization and heavy lifting.
Captain Jon McKeon, who has served with PFA for approximately 20 years, oversees the department's technical rescue programs. The authority's operational focus areas include rope rescues in mountain parks, swiftwater rescues at the Poudre River, building collapses, vehicle extrications and machinery rescue operations.
Authority Serves Larimer and Weld Counties
Poudre Fire Authority serves portions of Larimer and Weld Counties including Fort Collins and surrounding rural regions. The department was formed through the merger of the Poudre Valley Fire Protection District and the Fort Collins Fire Department in 1981.
The Poudre Valley Fire Protection District was originally established in 1938 to provide fire protection to rural areas surrounding Fort Collins.
Poudre Fire Authority crews responded November 23 to a single-vehicle crash on North Highway 287 near Terry Lake where firefighters deployed a winch mounted on Rescue 4 to extract a driver trapped after crashing into a building.