Boulder Fire-Rescue firefighters and fire-medics (firefighter paramedics) respond to vehicle crash on Balsam Ave.
At 3:20 p.m. on July 2, 2025, Boulder Fire-Rescue was dispatched to the 1300 block of Balsam Ave. following a serious car crash that resulted in one vehicle leaving the roadway and coming to rest on top of four parked vehicles in a parking lot on the southeast side of the intersection.
Tower 141, Engine 141, Battalion Chief 143, and two ambulances responded to the incident. The first-arriving crew from Tower 141 conducted a scene assessment and began stabilizing the vehicles involved to prevent further movement or injury. One person was found pinned inside the vehicle that had landed on top of the others. Firefighter-paramedics who were staffed on Tower 141 immediately began providing advanced life support while other team members initiated extrication.
The extrication was carried out in a coordinated effort between Tower 141 and Engine 141. Fire-paramedics from Station 1, cross-trained in both medical care and technical rescue, played a key role in safely removing the patient. All Boulder Fire-Rescue firefighters are EMTs, however some have an even higher medic certification as paramedics. The driver was treated on scene and then transported by American Medical Response (AMR) with non-life-threatening injuries. The other involved driver was also treated on scene but did not require transport.
“This was a complex incident that required our crews to simultaneously stabilize the scene, provide medical care, and perform extrication,” said Battalion Chief Travis Richen (Battalion Chief 143). “Vehicle extrication is where training, teamwork, and trust all come together. Our goal is always to move the vehicle out of the way of the patient—not the other way around—so we can begin care as quickly and safely as possible.”
The entire response, which lasted approximately one hour, showcased the value of regular training and cooperation and the efficiency of crews based out of Station 1—which is a two engine station where members live, train, and respond together. Their coordination on calls like this results in quicker decision-making and patient care.
Boulder Police Department secured the roadway to allow fire personnel to safely perform rescue operations. The city reminds the public to avoid active emergency scenes and to never attempt to drive through them.
No bystanders were involved in the incident. The cause of the crash is under investigation by Boulder Police.