The Highland Lakes wildfire, which broke out on Monday afternoon near Divide, Colorado, threatened Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center, owned and operated by the Colorado District Church of the Nazarene. 

Thanks to the firefighting efforts of many fire agencies from around the state and camp staff, plus prayer and favorable weather, structures on the Golden Bell property were spared from the fire, which burned 166 acres, mostly on camp property.

Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center has been a home for retreats, camp ministry, conferences, and life transformation since 1967. The camp serves upwards of 4,000 students each summer and is home to an RV camping park.

When news broke out of the fire on Monday, Nazarenes from across the United States began to pray for God’s protection over the camp. 

Director of Golden Bell, Joel Garcia, said the fire originally started to travel through one of the main valleys of the camp, but it stopped. Given the direction of the wind, Garcia said the destruction to the camp could have been catastrophic.
“If it would have come up that valley, it would have taken out the entire camp,” Garcia said. “But it stopped. It went around the front of [the ridge] and then next one, which went east of all our buildings.”

The fire began at a home in a subdivision a mile to the southwest of the Golden Bell property. By 4:30 p.m. on Monday, 700 homes had been evacuated, displacing more than 2,000 people. The Teller County Sherriff’s office believes the fire to have been human-started and says they are investigating the cause, the spread, and potential criminal charges that may arise.

After the fire crews were able to ensure the safety of the camp’s buildings, Garcia and two other staff members, Brent Gunn and Nathan Erich, helped firefighters put out spot fires within 20-30 feet of the Dan Walker Chapel, the camp’s largest chapel, and some nearby cabins. They also helped feed emergency responders working to fight the frontline of the fire through the Golden Bell property and beyond.

The remainder of the camp staff was evacuated to nearby Woodland Park, where the staff met some people who live near the property. The staff shared about the camp and Jesus Christ. One man even showed interest in volunteering.

As of Thursday afternoon, Teller County Sherriff’s office and Divide Fire Department Chief said the fire had reached 90% containment, and many who were evacuated have been allowed to return to their homes.

The fire’s quick resolution was aided by unexpected moisture in the midst of dry conditions. Despite the lack of rain, Garcia said there was a thick blanket of moisture, heavier than fog, that came over the camp and fire for about an hour and helped prevent the fire from growing even further. Between the increased moisture and the fire changing direction despite the wind, Garcia says he “can’t help but say that God was involved.”

“The prayers of God’s people were heard,” Garcia added.