Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control

Official Account of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control, Department of Public Safety

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

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.

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

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 [phone] or [email protected].

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For additional information, contact your doctor or health professional or visit https://t.co/dIpCJGlfNw.

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@CPW_NE

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

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.

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

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

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

Public Notice
October 26, 2026

Media Contacts:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Rachael Gonzales [phone]
DFPC Wildland Fire Management Section: Tracy LeClair [phone]

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 [phone].

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit https://t.co/EnBQ20Q5Nl.

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@CPW_NW

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

DFPC Fire Environment / Weather Brief
10/26/2026

Link to pdf of the most recent brief:
https://t.co/Stz1eAATpl

Refer to the DFPC Intelligence Dashboard for in-depth fire environment and wildfire incident status tools:
https://t.co/d2FC549Pxg

#dfpc #dfpcfire
#FireYear2026
#cofire #coloradofire #firefighter
#wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

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

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

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 https://t.co/guCriWUzAl.

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

🔥 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: https://t.co/ZWG1LEimtE

#dfpc #dfpcfire
#COfire #coloradofire #firefighter
#wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter
#jobs

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

🔥 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:
https://t.co/3hn1PzIZz3

#dfpc #dfpcfire
#COfire #coloradofire #firefighter
#wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter
#jobs

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

🔥 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: https://t.co/6mNMQeWRV4

#dfpc #dfpcfire
#COfire #coloradofire #firefighter
#wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter
#jobs

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

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 https://t.co/0FBBxGi5xY.

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

For Immediate Release:
October 12, 2026

Contacts:
Tracy LeClair | [email protected] | 970-841-9230

DFPC Completes Aspen Acres Fire Investigation

Lakewood, CO - The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has completed its final investigation of the Aspen Acres Fire.

The final investigation report is maintained by the DFPC Fire Investigations Branch as a criminal justice record. Members of the public, media, attorneys, and other interested parties seeking a copy of the report must submit a request through the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) process.

Requests will be reviewed in accordance with applicable CCJRA requirements.

For more information about DFPC's open records process or to submit a CCJRA request, visit the DFPC Open Records Requests webpage: https://t.co/rV0JsiSR69.

To request the report, complete the DFPC Open Records Request Form and select "Fire Investigations" under the DFPC Programs dropdown.

State law requires DFPC to obtain a signed acknowledgement from every requestor that records produced in response to a CCJRA request will not be used for pecuniary gain (C.R.S. § 24-72-305.5). Please ensure that this form is completed and submitted with the CCJRA request; failure to do so will result in a denial of the request.

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[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

🚨 FINAL HOURS TO APPLY! 🚨

Today is your last chance to submit an application for open positions with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). All listings close TODAY at 5:00 PM MT.

Open Positions:
• Firefighter V: Aviation Specialist (Broomfield, Penrose, or Montrose)
• Firefighter I: Engine Crewmember (Sterling)
• Firefighter I: Fuels Module Crewmember (Windsor)
• Firefighter I: Module Crewmember

Apply before the 5:00 PM MT deadline! Visit https://t.co/9ImIYBSuz0 scroll down to the section entitled "DFPC Current Job Openings."

#dfpc #dfpcfire
#FireYear2026
#cofire #coloradofire #firefighter
#wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter
#jobs

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

DFPC Fire Environment / Weather Brief
10/12/2026

Link to pdf of the most recent brief:
https://t.co/Stz1eAATpl

Refer to the DFPC Intelligence Dashboard for in-depth fire environment and wildfire incident status tools:
https://t.co/d2FC549Pxg

#dfpc #dfpcfire
#FireYear2026
#cofire #coloradofire #firefighter
#wildfire #wildlandfire #wildlandfirefighter

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

Many of us leave our phones, laptops, tablets and even power tools plugged in long after they’re fully charged, but this extra time on the charger can backfire. Leaving a device plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and put unnecessary stress on the battery. Over time, this extra heat can degrade the battery, cause it to swell or even trigger a dangerous fire. Always unplug your device when it is fully charged. 💯🔋

#FirePreventionWeek #SafeCharging #FireSafety #FirePrevention #BatterySafety #CommunityRiskReduction @NFPA

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

Keep your home safe by recycling your lithium-ion batteries the right way. Throwing these batteries in the regular trash or recycling bins is dangerous because they could catch fire. Recycling them at an official drop-off location is always the safest choice.

Tomorrow, we are co-hosting family-friendly events across Colorado for Fire Prevention Week! If you are heading to the Fruita event, Mesa County Hazardous Waste Disposal will be there providing free battery collection! Bring your old power tools and device batteries to toss right into their bin. Learn more about the events at https://t.co/sOdgLnlsuX.

Come join the fun and learn more about lithium-ion battery safety. Can't make it? Visit https://t.co/5p9P78cnH5 to find a recycling spot near you.

#FirePreventionWeek #SafeCharging #FireSafety #FirePrevention #BatterySafety #CommunityRiskReduction @MesaCountyNews @NFPA

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

⚡It’s #FirePreventionWeek, and we are talking about safe charging! E-bikes, scooters and large power tools are very common today. But did you know their batteries store a huge amount of energy? If a battery breaks, a fire can start and spread very quickly.

Protect your home and loved ones by charging these large batteries outside when you can and do not block exits.

#SafeCharging #FireSafety #FirePrevention #BatterySafety #CommunityRiskReduction @NFPA

[Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control @COStateFire]

DFPC to Conduct Helitack Training at Eldorado Canyon State Park

Flatiron Helitack will be conducting training at Eldorado Canyon State Park on Tuesday, October 13, 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.