We were lucky to have had a quiet fire season so far this year. We have had just enough rain at the right times to keep us in low or moderate fire danger most of the year. Of the 11 fires that we have responded to this year, three were to assist other departments, two were car fires, and a fire in a structure involving electrical equipment. The remaining six fires were wildland fires, started by various causes, most commonly lightning and escapes from campfires or ag burns. Some years, we have had six wildland fires in a week, so we are grateful for the break!

Our friends at Wellington Fire District took possession of a new fire engine, and they generously donated their 2004 reserve fire engine to us. It carries 1,000 gallons of water and will be equipped with ladders, breathing apparatus, auto extrication equipment, and hundreds of feet of hose.  We sent it in for new graphics, minor repairs, and maintenance, and now it is in service as our reserve engine. When the Red Mountain station is completed next year, we will have a structural fire engine at each of our 3 stations. We donated our oldest engine, a 1991 Pierce, to Poudre Canyon Fire. 

Progress on the new station on Red Mountain Rd has been slow, but things are about to move fast. We received six qualified bids for general contractors, and one has been hired. As soon as our county permit is finalized, we will be hitting it hard and hoping for completion this spring. We already have apparatus that are ready to go in: a structure engine, water tender, brush rig, and a utility vehicle. It will also have a community meeting room and small kitchen that the public can utilize. 

I would like to recognize the amazing support from the community to help us with this new Fire Station project. CSU Maxwell Ranch (STRATA) provided us with the land. Ingram Well and Waynes Pump Service donated their services to drill a well. Poudre Valley REA donated the electric service. We have also received a lot of financial support, including a very large donation from a local landowner. 

We welcomed two new volunteer responders this year. Nick Medina lives on Bonner Peak Ranch and is already an EMT and wildland firefighter. Tyler Nathe lives off Cherokee Park Road. Tyler has an extensive firefighting background and is also an EMT. He has already been a big help to us with training and running incidents. 

Before I close, I would invite you all to follow us in one of several ways. We are on Facebook, X, and Next-door. We also have a website with lots of useful information. We try to keep the public informed about any incidents that we have responded to, or significant activities that we have been involved in. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.