The cause of the Snow Creek Fire, near Highway 285 and Highway 8, is officially "undetermined." But, West Metro investigators say the cause was most likely lightning, as several witnesses reported lightning in the area about two hours before the fire started on the afternoon of July 12. The fire burned about an acre, situated on a steep, rocky incline. One home on the ridge above the fire was evacuated and about 60 homes in the Willow Creek neighborhood were on pre-evacuation as a precaution.
Firefighters had to hike in, as there was no access for engines or other vehicles. Air resources- including two helicopters and two single engine air tankers (SEAT) dropped water and fire retardant from above.
Several agencies assisted West Metro on the fire- South Metro Fire Rescue, Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Indian Hills Fire Rescue, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Morrison Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Douglas County Emergency Management and CDOT.