Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control

Halloween is almost here, Colorado! We want to make sure your holiday is spooky and safe. While ghosts and goblins are fun, fire hazards are truly scary. Stay safe with these quick, easy-to-remember tips: 🔊 Test your smoke alarms before the festivities begin to make sure they are working. 🎃 Swap real candles for battery-operated lights in your decorations and jack-o'-lanterns. 🔥 Keep flammable decorations away from light bulbs, heaters and open flames. Make sure decorations do not block your doors or walkways in case of an emergency. 🔦 Give kids flashlights so they can see and be seen by drivers while trick-or-treating. Have a safe and #HappyHalloween!

Public Notice October 30, 2025 Media Contacts: CPW Contact: Kara Van Hoose | [email protected] DFPC Contact: Tracy LeClair | [email protected] Prescribed Burning Planned for Multiple Locations in Northern and Northeastern Colorado The Colorado State Land Board, Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), in cooperation with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), will be conducting prescribed burning operations throughout Northern Colorado and the Northeastern plains this Winter, Spring, and Fall. Burning operations will occur as weather conditions permit and will include slash piles and an Air Curtain Burner. The main objective of prescribed burning is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulation for the purpose of public safety in addition to ecological health. Burning will only be conducted under specific guidelines established by DFPC, including having acceptable weather forecasts and fuels conditions that meet guidelines for safe and effective burning and adequate smoke dispersal. The State Land Board, CSFS, and CPW work closely with other agencies, such as the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, DFPC, and local authorities in developing and implementing any burning project. Burning may continue periodically through the winter, spring, and fall in the form of pile burning and/or broadcast burning as weather and fuel conditions permit. Specific press releases will follow as conditions for each Park and State Wildlife Area are within prescription or are expected to be within prescription parameters. For additional information, contact DFPC PIO Tracy LeClair at (970) 841-9230 or [email protected]. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For additional information, contact your doctor or health professional or visit cdphe.colorado.gov/indoor-ai…. 2027 Northern Colorado/Eastern Plains Prescribed Fire Planned Locations: ● Pinewood Reservoir – Loveland (piles) ● Chimney Hollow Reservoir – Loveland (piles) ● Husted Ranch – Glen Haven (piles) ● Lory State Park – Bellvue (piles) ● Eldorado Canyon State Park – Eldorado Springs (piles) ● Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Golden (piles) ● Twin Sisters – Estes Park (piles) ● City of Blackhawk (piles) ● Glacier View – Livermore (Air Curtain Burner) ● Jefferson County (Blue Mountain collection site) – (Air Curtain Burner) ● Big Elk Meadows – between Estes Park and Lyons (Air Curtain Burner) ● Carter Lake – Berthoud (Air Curtain Burner) @CSFS_Outreach @CPW_NE

UPDATE 2pm: Ignitions complete on Lake John SWA. Unit 1 and half of Unit 4 were completed, for a total of 45 acres for the day. Mop-up is in progress and crews will remain on scene to ensure no hot spots remain.

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has deployed more than 40 personnel to assist communities across Southwest Colorado as ongoing flooding creates challenges for local emergency responders. DFPC resources have been supporting response operations since October 25, assisting with sandbagging, evacuations, emergency response, and coordination with local, state, and federal partners. DFPC’s assistance includes aviation, medical personnel, engines, specialized teams, intelligence, and logistical support. Personnel have assisted with sandbagging operations, flood and structural assessments, responses to 911 calls, and operational coordination. DFPC personnel have also filled key leadership and coordination roles to support incident management and local emergency operations. Multiple DFPC helicopters have conducted reconnaissance missions with county sheriffs, operational personnel, and search-and-rescue teams. Aircraft have also transported utility technicians to the East Fork area to support work on a main gas valve compromised by flooding. Additional aviation missions have supported dam assessments and search-and-rescue operations in Conejos and Chaffee Counties. DFPC is also providing ground support in Rio Grande and Conejos counties, where engines and specialized resources have assisted with sandbagging, flood impact assessments, operational supervision, and emergency calls. Both Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMAs) and the DFPC Intelligence Unit continue to provide daily situational awareness and operational support to help response partners make informed decisions. DFPC will continue coordinating with local jurisdictions and response partners to assess needs and provide assistance as the flood response continues. Twelve counties were included in the state disaster declaration, with hundreds of homes impacted and numerous local roads and state highway closures.

Conditions are a "GO" for prescribed burning operations at Lake John State Wildlife Area near the Town of Walden! Crews have completed their 9am briefing, and the 10am test fire was successful. Expect to see smoke in the area; please do not call 911 to report. @COParksWildlife #dfpc #dfpcfire #FireYear2026 #cofire #coloradofire #firefighter #wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter #PrescribedFire #RxFire #PrescribedBurn #RxBurn

Burning operations planned for today at the Lake John SWA have been postponed due to high winds that have put the project out of prescription. We will continue to monitor weather conditions and will re-evaluate tomorrow morning. Prescribed burning will only be conducted under specific guidelines, which include having acceptable weather forecasts and fuel conditions that meet guidelines for safe and effective burning, and adequate smoke dispersal. The goal of the Lake John SWA prescribed burn project is to improve wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuels.

Today, October 28, is National First Responders Day. It's a time to honor the career and volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers who answer the call 24/7/365 to keep our communities safe. At the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the dedicated professionals serving Colorado on the front lines and in emergency dispatch centers across the state. If you are looking for a way to honor these heroes today, here are two impactful ways to show your support: Say it in person: Take a moment to personally thank a first responder in your community for their service and dedication. Support the families behind the badge: Consider donating to organizations that care for the families of fallen, disabled, or injured responders. You can support national efforts through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, or give locally to the Colorado Wildland Fire and Incident Management Academy (CWFIMA) Benefit Fund, which provides critical assistance to emergency responders stricken by illness, injury, or traumatic events. To every first responder keeping watch over Colorado...thank you for your selfless commitment, resilience, and service. #NationalFirstRespondersDay

DFPC Southwest Colorado Flood Response Both DFPC Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMAs) have completed multiple missions and continue daily flight operations to gather intel on flooding in Southwest Colorado. The Montrose Type 1 helicopter and the Canon City Type 2 helicopter were also requested to assist with search and rescue missions. Additionally, DFPC has approximately 10 Overhead (incident management) personnel and 2 engines with crews who are continuing to support local efforts. Two EMTs from the Flatiron Helitack crew are assisting Colorado National Guard helicopter crews, and the Logistics shop has delivered sandbagging equipment to the area. The Tava suppression module from Colorado Springs is performing structure assessments, and the DFPC Intelligence Unit continues to provide direct mission assistance. Twelve counties were included in the state disaster declaration, with hundreds of homes impacted and numerous local roads and state highways closed.

Public Notice October 27, 2026 Media Contacts: CPW Contact: Kara Van Hoose | [email protected] DFPC Contact: Tracy LeClair | [email protected] Prescribed Burning Planned for Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area WELD COUNTY, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), in cooperation with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), will be conducting prescribed burning operations at Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area. Burning operations will occur as weather conditions permit and could begin as early as November 16th, 2026. Burning will only be conducted under specific guidelines established by DFPC, including having acceptable weather forecasts and fuels conditions that meet guidelines for safe and effective burning and adequate smoke dispersal. The main objective of prescribed burning is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulation for the purpose of public safety in addition to ecological health and water conservation. CPW works closely with other agencies, such as the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, DFPC, and local authorities in developing and implementing any burning project. Burning may continue periodically through the winter and spring as weather and fuel conditions permit. Specific press releases will follow as conditions for Banner Lakes SWA are within prescription, or are expected to be within prescription parameters. For additional information, contact DFPC PIO Tracy LeClair at (970) 841-9230 or [email protected]. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For additional information, contact your doctor or health professional or visit cdphe.colorado.gov/indoor-ai…. ### @CPW_NE

UPDATE 6pm 10/26: Tomorrow's training has been postponed. Crew members have been requested to assist with flood relief efforts in SW Colorado. We will advise when this training will be rescheduled.

Public Notice October 26, 2026 Media Contacts: Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Rachael Gonzales (970) 773-8587 DFPC Wildland Fire Management Section: Tracy LeClair (970) 841-9230 Prescribed Burning Planned for the Lake John State Wildlife Area This Week Walden, CO - Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in cooperation with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, is planning to conduct prescribed burn operations at the Lake John State Wildlife Area near the Town of Walden. Burning operations are planned for Wednesday, October 28, as weather conditions allow, with the goal of improving wildlife habitat and reducing hazardous fuels. A backup date of Thursday, October 29, has been identified if conditions do not allow for safe burning on Wednesday. Prescribed burning will be conducted under specific guidelines, which include having acceptable weather forecasts and fuel conditions that meet guidelines for safe and effective burning and adequate smoke dispersal. Colorado Parks and Wildlife works closely with other agencies, such as the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and local authorities in developing and implementing prescribed burns. Burning may continue periodically throughout the Spring as weather and fuel conditions are in prescription. For additional information, contact Tracy LeClair at (970) 841-9230. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/w…. ### @CPW_NW

DFPC Fire Environment / Weather Brief 10/26/2026 Link to pdf of the most recent brief: bit.ly/DFPCFireEnvWeatherBri… Refer to the DFPC Intelligence Dashboard for in-depth fire environment and wildfire incident status tools: bit.ly/DFPCWildlandFireStatu… #dfpc #dfpcfire #FireYear2026 #cofire #coloradofire #firefighter #wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter

DFPC to Conduct Helitack Training at Eldorado Canyon State Park Flatiron Helitack will be conducting training at Eldorado Canyon State Park on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, weather permitting. The public can expect to see helicopter activity in the area between the hours of 8am – 6pm for 2-4 hours at a time. The training aims to improve coordinated response and prepare DFPC’s Flatiron Helitack crew, which is based out of Broomfield, for both fire suppression and SAR missions along the Front Range and around the wildland-urban interface (WUI), and will consist of the helicopter hovering for short durations with personnel entering and exiting the helicopter multiple times. Photo courtesy Code 10 Photography of crews unloading gear from a Type 1 helicopter

Leaders and fire service professionals from across the state gathered in Keystone this week for the 2026 Fire Leadership Challenge. With over 800 attendees, this year marked the biggest conference yet! The annual gathering is presented by the Colorado State Fire Chiefs in partnership with DFPC, the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Fire Marshal's Association of Colorado. We are pleased to share this highlight reel showcasing some of the most memorable moments from the week! Learn more about the event at fireleadershipchallenge.org/….

🔥 YOUR NEXT MISSION STARTS HERE: LEAD THE CREW. MAKE AN IMPACT. 🔥 Experienced wildland firefighter ready for the next leadership challenge? DFPC’s Wildland Fire Management Section is recruiting a Firefighter IV: Module Captain in Cortez, Colorado! This is an opportunity to lead firefighting resources, develop crew members, oversee training and preparedness, and support wildfire suppression, prescribed fire, and fuels reduction projects. WHY DFPC? 🚒$77,808 to $93,384 annually 🧑‍🚒Lead, mentor, and train firefighters 🔥Help direct safe, effective incident response 🌲Support mitigation and fuels management 🏔️Make a difference for Colorado’s communities and natural resources 💼Permanent position with an unmatched benefits package Minimum qualifications: Five years of documented wildland firefighting experience and NWCG Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB) qualification. Certain alternative Single Resource Boss qualifications may be accepted with significant crew leadership experience. 📍 Cortez, Colorado (Grizzly Peak Module) 🌎Residency waiver granted. Colorado residents and non-residents may apply. 📅 Apply by November 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM Mountain Time. Your experience got you here. Your leadership can take you further. Apply now: governmentjobs.com/careers/c… #dfpc #dfpcfire #COfire #coloradofire #firefighter #wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter #jobs

🔥 YOUR NEXT MISSION STARTS HERE. 🔥 Have fireline experience and want to put it to work? Ready to take the next step toward a career in wildland fire? DFPC’s Wildland Fire Management Section is recruiting Firefighter Temporary Aide: Crewmembers for the 2027 season! This is your opportunity to work with a crew, develop practical skills, and help protect Colorado’s communities and landscapes. WHY DFPC? 🔥 $22.00 to $25.00 per hour 🚒 Overtime-eligible work 🧑‍🚒 Training and most PPE provided 🏔️ Potential assignments across Colorado 💪 Wildfire suppression, structure protection, prescribed fire, fuels reduction, and more Potential locations: Windsor, Black Hawk, Granby, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Cortez, and Montrose. Applicants must have NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualifications. If your qualification record or card is pending, the job posting explains when S-130, S-190, and L-180 certificates may be submitted. This is a temporary seasonal position expected to run approximately March through November 2027, depending on location. Temporary positions do not include employee benefits or paid leave except as required by law. 📅 Apply by November 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. Your next season could be the start of something bigger. Explore the opportunity and apply: governmentjobs.com/careers/c… #dfpc #dfpcfire #COfire #coloradofire #firefighter #wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter #jobs

🔥 YOUR NEXT MISSION STARTS HERE. WHY DFPC? Because the work behind the fireline matters. DFPC is hiring a Fire Administrator III to help keep Colorado’s wildland fire programs running strong. Bring your experience in administration, finance, contracts, grants, procurement, workforce operations, or incident business management to a team supporting WFMS employees and operations statewide. THE MISSION: • Administer essential programs and processes • Support budgets, expenditures, contracts, grants, purchasing, and hiring • Provide technical guidance to districts, branches, units, and supervisors • Improve processes and develop training • Help maintain administrative continuity as operational needs change 📍 Statewide, Colorado, with work location negotiable based on the successful candidate and available facilities. 💰 $59,460 to $84,120 annually 📅 Apply by November 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Build a career with purpose and help strengthen the systems that support Colorado’s wildland fire community. Add an unmatched benefits package, including PERA retirement, paid holidays and leave, wellness days, tuition assistance, and more. Your expertise can make a difference across the state. 👉 Apply now: governmentjobs.com/careers/c… #dfpc #dfpcfire #COfire #coloradofire #firefighter #wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter #jobs

Ready to build your career in public service while making a real impact in Colorado? We are looking for a highly organized Administrative Assistant to join our dedicated team! In this role, you will support our Fire and Life Safety Section and help keep our essential operations running smoothly. This job posting closes at 5 p.m. MST on Monday, October 19. Read the full job description and apply at bit.ly/FLSAdmin.