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Through a cooperative agreement with the City of Salida, the South Arkansas Fire Protection District (S.A.F.P.D.) is committed to providing a safe environment and delivering the highest level of professional service to our residents and visitors.

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Fremont County, CO Community Wildfire Protection Plan Community Engagement Survey

Fremont County residents are encouraged to the below 10-minute survey regarding wildfire preparedness:

A person in a yellow jacket stands on a vast, burnt landscape under a cloudy sky, surveying the blackened terrain.

Crews Deployed to South Dakota Following Aspen Acres Fire Assignment

After returning from a 21-day assignment on the Aspen Acres Fire, our crews were deployed again shortly afterward to South Dakota to assist with the Song Dog Fire and the Rock Creek Fire.

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District is funding a Type 6 fire engine to enhance wildfire readiness amid increased fire danger.

South Arkansas Fire Protection District Approves Funding for Staffed Type 6 Wildland Fire Engine

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District has approved funding to staff a Type 6 wildland fire engine during periods of elevated fire danger, enhancing the region's ability to respond quickly and…

The image provides donation information to support families and firefighters impacted by the Knowles Fire, honoring Sydney, Nick, and Emily.

Standing with the Wildland Firefighting Community

The wildland firefighting community is mourning an unimaginable loss following the tragic Knowles Fire. Three firefighters—Sydney Watson, Nicholas "Nick" Hutcherson, and Emily Barker—lost their lives…

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Colorado Mountain College - Wildfire Mitigation & Forest Resilience

A firefighter stands observing a large fire against a dark sky, with flames engulfing the landscape.

Crews Conduct Burnout Operations on the 51 Fire in Kansas and the Sharpe Fire Near Campo, Colorado

SAFPD Wildland firefighters continue working aggressively on multiple large fires across the central plains, including the 51 Fire in southwest Kansas and the Sharpe Fire south of Campo, Colorado…

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Buttermilk Fire Response – Custer County

On Wednesday, March 18th the South Arkansas Fire Protection District, in coordination with Salida Fire Department, deployed resources to Custer County in support of the Buttermilk Fire. As part of a…

Initial Attack Update – Texas Deployment

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District currently has crews deployed in Texas assisting with initial attack operations on emerging wildland fires. Initial attack is one of the most critical phases…

South Arkansas Fire Protection District Awarded COSWAP Grant for Wildfire Mitigation

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District (SAFPD) is pleased to announce the award of funding through the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP). This project will be completed in…

South Arkansas Fire Protection District Awarded Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District (SAFPD) is proud to announce the awarded funding through the Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) Grant Program. This important investment…

A group in safety gear is clearing fallen branches and logs in a wooded area on a sunny day.

South Arkansas Fire Protection District and NCCC Collaborate on Fuels Mitigation at Salida Water Galleries

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District (SAFPD), in partnership with the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), Colorado Firecamp, and the City of Salida, recently conducted a community fuels…

A forest scene featuring tall trees and vibrant yellow foliage, with some cut logs and greenery on the forest floor.

Before & After: Fuel Breaks at Salida Water Galleries

In partnership with Colorado Firecamp, NCCC AmeriCorps, and the City of Salida, SAFPD crews completed critical fuels mitigation work around the Salida Water Galleries.

A person operates a wood chipper in a snowy, rural landscape with fall trees and buildings in the background.

South Arkansas Fire Protection District, Forest Service, and Local Homeowner Collaborate to Improve Forest Health and Reduce Wildfire Risk

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District (SAFPD), in partnership with the Colorado Forest Service and local homeowner Sheldon Morgan, recently completed a collaborative forest health and wildfire…

Two firefighters in gear monitor a controlled burn near a tree in a snowy area.

South Arkansas Fire Protection District Awarded Chaffee County Common Ground Grant to Support Local Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

The South Arkansas Fire Protection District (SAFPD) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Chaffee County Common Ground Grant, aimed at supporting critical wildfire mitigation work across…

Two people in yellow jackets stand atop a fire truck on a mountainous dirt road.

Board Approves Funding for Community Mitigation Efforts

Three people in firefighting gear stand on a road in front of a mountainous landscape with smoke visible on the slopes behind them.

South Rim Fire at Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Gunnison County, CO (July 10 – August 3) — A lightning strike on July 10 ignited the South Rim Fire along the south rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The blaze rapidly grew, scorching…

A firefighter is extinguishing a forest fire, with visible flames and smoke among trees.

Mountain View Fire Near Buena Vista: Quick Response, Full Containment

Buena Vista, CO (July 10–11, 2025) – A wildfire ignited on July 10 in the Mountain View Estates area, just north of Buena Vista. The blaze quickly spread to approximately 60 acres, prompting mandatory…

Three people in yellow shirts and helmets stand on a dirt path near trees, looking into the distance.

Wildfire Contained After Breaking Out at Cutty’s Resort

On the morning of May 31, a fire broke out at Cutty’s Resort in Coaldale, involving a massive pile of tree limbs and woody debris—up to 6 feet high and covering nearly one-third of an acre. When…