Business Details
Emergency
services
Emergency Fire & EMS Services in Bayfield, Colorado
We are a dedicated fire protection district serving eastern La Plata County and western Archuleta County in Colorado. Our operations cover 284 square miles, including the Town of Bayfield, Lake Vallecito, and surrounding communities. With a focus on rural emergency services, we provide fire suppression, rescue operations, and advanced medical care to a permanent population of 14,000 residents and seasonal visitors. Our team of 35 full-time employees and part-time staff responds to over 1,100 calls annually, with 77% involving medical emergencies or vehicle accidents. We maintain eight strategically located fire stations, three of which operate 24/7, and collaborate with federal agencies and neighboring districts through mutual aid agreements.Our fire mitigation programs, including wildland fuels reduction and FireWise standards, enhance community resilience against wildfires. We operate an EMS training site with cutting-edge simulation technology and partner with national organizations to deliver continuing education. As a Colorado Special District governed by an elected board, we combine public service with innovative financial strategies to ensure sustainable operations.
Services
Fire/Rescue
EMS Services
Fire Mitigation
Permits
Community Wildfire Protection Plans
Highlights and features
- We maintain 24/7 staffing across three fire stations in high-risk areas
- Our team includes nationally registered paramedics with specialized training
- We implement grant-funded wildfire mitigation programs for private properties
- Our EMS training site features virtual reality simulation technology
- We collaborate with federal agencies through formal mutual aid agreements
Services
Fire/Rescue
Our fire and rescue operations cover 284 square miles with rapid response capabilities for structural fires, vehicle accidents, and technical rescues. We maintain eight strategically located stations with specialized equipment for rural and wildland environments. Our personnel are trained in advanced life support and hazardous materials handling to ensure comprehensive emergency coverage.
EMS Services
We provide advanced emergency medical services with paramedic-level care, responding to 77% of our annual calls for medical emergencies. Our fleet includes modern ambulances equipped for critical care transport. We maintain partnerships with regional medical centers for coordinated patient care and treatment protocols.
Fire Mitigation
Our mitigation programs focus on reducing wildfire risks through vegetation management, FireWise standards implementation, and community education. Seasonal crews conduct fuels reduction projects on private properties using grant funding. We offer home assessments and assistance with creating defensible space around structures.
EMS Training
We operate a state-of-the-art training facility with virtual reality simulations and field exercises for EMS professionals. Our programs include initial certification courses, continuing education, and specialized training in advanced medical life support. The facility partners with national organizations to maintain current curriculum standards.
Community Wildfire Protection Plans
We develop comprehensive wildfire protection plans for subdivisions through collaborative processes with residents and federal agencies. These plans prioritize fuel reduction projects, establish emergency response protocols, and qualify communities for federal funding assistance. We provide ongoing support for plan implementation and updates.
People
Bruce Evans
Fire Chief
With 38 years of emergency services experience, Chief Evans leads operations at Upper Pine River. He holds a National Chief Fire Officer designation, serves as a National Fire Academy faculty member, and has authored multiple EMS textbooks. He previously served as EMS Chief in North Las Vegas.
Questions
What areas does Upper Pine River Fire District serve?
We serve 284 square miles in eastern La Plata County and western Archuleta County, including Bayfield, Lake Vallecito, and Forest Lakes communities.
Do you offer wildfire prevention programs for homeowners?
Yes, we provide FireWise assessments, Community Wildfire Protection Plans, and a chipper rental rebate program for vegetation management.
How can I access EMS training programs?
Our training site in Bayfield offers initial EMS certification and continuing education courses with simulation technology and field exercises.
Are your fire stations staffed 24/7?
Three of our eight stations maintain 24-hour staffing in Bayfield, Forest Lakes, and Lake Vallecito locations.
How does the district handle wildland fire mitigation?
We deploy seasonal fuels crews for grant-funded projects, collaborate with federal agencies, and assist with agricultural burns during spring.
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