If there’s a through line in the annual Big Chili Cook-Off, it’s the sense of community — both among the participating fire departments, and between the fire departments and the people they serve.

Local firefighters, auxiliary members and other volunteers served gallons upon gallons of red, green and vegetarian chili at this year’s event. A few dozen local businesses, families and groups of friends also participated, with some hosting themed booths like “101 Dalmatians,” “Barbie” and “Margaritaville.”

The annual fundraiser splits proceeds among six mountain-area fire departments — Elk Creek, Evergreen, Indian Hills, Inter-Canyon, North Fork and Platte Canyon. In years past, each department has received as much as $7,000 toward crucial equipment and other needs.

On the cooking side of the event, this year’s chili cooks ranged from seasoned veterans to spicy new talent.

James Carlson, a volunteer firefighter with Foothills Fire Protection District, and his organization were both new to the Big Chili Cook-Off. Their Initial Attack Chili, which Carlson described as a medium-spicy red, later won Best Flat Lander Chili.

Carlson, who lives in Genesee and joined Foothills about a year ago, said he loves cooking and was recommended to be the department’s inaugural chili cook. He and his fellow firefighters taste-tested everything beforehand, and Foothills had 11 firefighters and auxiliary members prepare the Sept. 9 batches of red and green chili.

After hearing about last year’s cold and rainy weather, Carlson appreciated the clear skies over Foothills’ first Big Chili. He described how both the department and the event have “huge community spirit,” and how much he appreciated seeing everyone stop by and “enjoy the chili, the event and the sunshine.”

Meanwhile, Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District board member Jackie White had prepared a family favorite recipe for her first Big Chili competition.

White, whose husband is a firefighter for Inter-Canyon and Evergreen, said chili is a great food to pull out of the freezer and heat up after a long day.

“It’s all about the simmer,” White said of the key to making a great chili.

While it was her first time both attending and cooking at Big Chili, White could see what a great opportunity it was for firefighters to meet each other and community members. She said it’s also “great fundraising and good exposure to get volunteers.”

Along with firefighters, White said many of the mountain-area departments need auxiliary members and board members, and she encouraged residents to serve their departments however they can.

“There’s a role for everyone in the community,” she continued.

Down at the Evergreen Fire Protection District booth, auxiliary members Kim Marklund and Don Payton were serving up their Ever-Green Chili, which later won Best Fire Department Chili.

The two friends said this was their third year as chili cooks, adding that they used last year’s recipe but “spiced it up a little” this time after taste-testing it with their colleagues.

They emphasized how much they enjoy Big Chili’s atmosphere and camaraderie. Locals stop by to ask questions and thank the firefighters for their hard work, and people from Denver and beyond stop by to try the chilis.

“It’s good facetime," Marklund said of the event. "It’s good to know the community whom we serve.”

Payton, a retired firefighter, commended all the area departments for their dedication, cooperation and impressive work over the years. He recalled having a heart attack in Evergreen and said everyone responded very quickly to his 911 call.

With events like Big Chili, Payton hoped that whenever there is an emergency, locals will now know who’s responding and feel reassured.

For a full list of this year's winners, or for more information on the Big Chili Cook-Off, visit bigchili.org.