Black Forest Fire Rescue

09/04/2026

🐱 Apparently, word has gotten around to the cats of Black Forest…

For the third time this year, Black Forest Fire Rescue crews were called to assist a cat who had climbed a little higher than anticipated and decided coming back down was someone else’s problem. 🌲🐈

Our crew extended a ladder, made their way up, and safely brought our furry resident back to solid ground and a very relieved family.

At this rate, we may need to make the feline rescue division official. 😸

We’re happy this one had a safe ending, and we’re starting to think the local cats are testing our ladder skills.

09/02/2026

🌲 Save the date! Our September Pine Needle Collection Event is coming up on Saturday, September 12!

Removing pine needles and other combustible debris from around your home is one of the simplest ways to reduce wildfire risk. Start gathering those needles now and help us beat our goal of collecting more than 1,250 bags!

Thank you to Salute Services for partnering with us to help make Black Forest more wildfire resilient.

08/31/2026

📚 School is back in session!

As students return to class, please slow down, stay alert, and give yourself extra time during the morning and afternoon commutes.

🚌 Stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing
🚸 Watch carefully at crosswalks, bus stops, and school zones
🚗 Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
🚲 Give students walking or biking plenty of room
📵 Put the phone down and keep your attention on the road

Let’s work together to keep our students, families, and school staff safe throughout the school year. Have a safe and wonderful year, Black Forest!

08/21/2026

Good news! El Paso County is moving from Stage II to Stage I Fire Restrictions.

While conditions have improved, some restrictions remain in place. Please review the updated information below and continue using caution with anything that could create a flame or spark.

Thank you for helping keep Black Forest safe! 🌲

☀️ Sheriff Roybal Downgrades Fire Restrictions for El Paso County to Stage I 🌧️

After a thorough review of current fire danger conditions, the recent precipitation levels, and consideration of the El Paso County Wildland Fire Restriction Evaluation Guidelines, Sheriff and Fire Warden Joseph Roybal has downgraded the status for El Paso County from Stage II (implemented on June 29, 2026) to Stage I Fire Restrictions, effective today at 1 PM, for all unincorporated areas of El Paso County.

El Paso County Sheriff and Fire Warden Joseph Roybal issued the following statement:

“Recent rainfall and improving weather patterns across the Pikes Peak region have significantly reduced fire danger, allowing us to move from Stage II to Stage I Fire Restrictions. This change reflects careful monitoring of local conditions and extensive coordination with our district fire chiefs. While vegetation has responded well to recent moisture, fire season is far from over.

“Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in place because the potential for dangerous wildfires still exists. Every resident and visitor plays a role in protecting our communities, open spaces, and natural resources by using caution with any activity capable of starting a fire.

“I appreciate the public’s commitment to fire prevention throughout this season. Continued awareness and responsible behavior will help keep our neighborhoods safe and reduce the likelihood of destructive wildfires as we move through the remainder of the summer.”

Updated restrictions take effect today, August 21, 2026, at 1 PM, and will remain in place until modified pursuant to El Paso County Ordinance #22-001.

Sheriff Roybal will continue to review weather and fire-danger conditions and notify the community of any changes to restrictions as appropriate.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak region to comply with the Order and share responsibility for keeping our community safe. Public cooperation plays a critical role in preventing potential fire hazards.

For updates on fire restrictions and guidelines, visit:

https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/services/fire-information

Suspected violations of the Order should be reported by calling 719-390-5555.

08/11/2026

🔥 BRUSH 745 UPDATE 🔥

Lightning moved through the San Juan National Forest yesterday evening, and Brush 745 positioned near an area where a strike had been detected. Soon afterward, the crew was directed to assist Upper Pine Fire with a reported outside fire.

Crews spotted smoke about two ridges away and hiked approximately half a mile to reach the fire. Brush 745 initially established command, assessed the fire and determined it was burning on private property. The fire was approximately one-tenth of an acre with an active right flank.

Brush 745 helped lead operations on the hill while additional engines and a helicopter were requested. After three bucket drops and several hours of firefighting, crews stopped the fire’s forward progress at approximately 0.58 acres around 10 p.m.

This is exactly why resources are prepositioned during a severity assignment. Great work by Brush 745, Upper Pine Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and all responding crews!

08/08/2026

🥞🚒 We’re at the Black Forest Festival today!

We started the morning off right with the pancake breakfast, then joined in the Black Forest Festival Parade, and now we’re set up and ready to see you!

🔥 Stop by the Black Forest Fire Rescue table to say hello, learn more about what we’re doing in the community, or come check out the fire engine! 🚒

We love getting to be part of a tradition that has brought the Black Forest community together for 57 years. ❤️

Come find us and say hi! 👋

08/05/2026

🔥 Brush 745 left yesterday to go on a severity assignment with the U.S. Forest Service in the San Juan National Forest.

Unlike a traditional deployment, where a crew is assigned directly to an active wildfire, a severity assignment places additional resources in an area experiencing or anticipating elevated fire danger. Brush 745 is providing backfill coverage while other apparatus are committed, helping ensure resources remain available to respond quickly to new incidents.

The nearby Rio Blanco Fire is burning approximately 10 miles south of Pagosa Springs in timber, brush and grass. Active fire behavior includes group torching, short-range spotting and backing. Numerous structures are threatened, with evacuations and area and road closures in effect.

Please join us in wishing the Brush 745 crew and everyone working in the area a safe assignment!

08/03/2026

🥵 The heat isn’t finished with us yet!

Know the signs of heat-related illness:

💧 Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or muscle cramps. Move to a cooler place, loosen clothing and sip water.

🚨 Heat stroke: Confusion, fainting, seizures, hot skin or a very high body temperature. Call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.

Check on older adults, children and anyone without air conditioning. Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink water regularly and never leave a person or pet inside a parked vehicle.

Stay cool and look out for one another, Black Forest! ☀️

Today brings another day of dangerously hot temperatures to the region. A Heat Advisory remains in effect for portions of the area today. Don't underestimate the heat, and continue to practice heat safety!

07/31/2026

Extreme heat means air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, and other electrical equipment may be working overtime. Increased demand can overload outlets, circuits, and extension cords, creating a fire risk.

Keep your home safe during hot weather:

🔌 Plug air conditioners and other high-powered appliances directly into a wall outlet and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

⚡ Do not overload outlets, power strips, or extension cords.

🚫 Never run cords under rugs, furniture, or doorways where they can become damaged or overheat.

👀 Stop using any cord, plug, or outlet that feels hot, smells like it is burning, sparks, or shows discoloration.

🧹 Keep portable AC units and fans clean and away from curtains, bedding, and other materials that can burn.

If lights flicker, breakers repeatedly trip, or outlets feel warm, unplug the equipment and have the electrical system checked by a qualified electrician.

Stay cool, but stay safe.

07/30/2026

Extreme heat increases the risk of dehydration, especially for children and people working outdoors. Do not wait until someone feels thirsty to start drinking water.

💧 Offer children water frequently, especially while they are playing outside. Schedule regular water and shade breaks, even if they say they feel fine.

👷 Outdoor workers should drink water throughout the day and take frequent breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area. For work lasting more than two hours, electrolyte drinks may also be helpful.

Watch for signs of dehydration:

⚠️ Dry mouth or lips
⚠️ Dark or less frequent urine
⚠️ Headache, dizziness, or muscle cramps
⚠️ Unusual tiredness, weakness, or irritability
⚠️ Few or no tears when a child cries

Confusion, fainting, seizures, or being difficult to wake can be signs of heat stroke. Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler area, and begin cooling them while help is on the way.

Remember: Water. Rest. Shade.