GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — A new report from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control shows that fire departments across the state are facing significant staffing and equipment shortages.
While every call for help begins the same with a 911 dispatcher, a fire crew and a quick response, behind the scenes, Colorado’s fire service says keeping up with the demand is getting more difficult.
The new state report shows fire departments across Colorado say they need more than 1,100 career firefighters and just as many volunteers in the next two years.
Departments also say they’ll need more than 700 fire trucks, apparatuses and more than $25 million in new gear to help keep firefighters safe.
“It’s always the number of vacant positions that’s always very concerning as well as how much financial need there is for the fire departments,” said Lisa Pine, Fire Training Director with DFPC.
The assessment also found that nearly 80% of departments don’t have enough funding to cover their top three needs. That includes staffing, training and equipment.
In rural areas, especially volunteer departments, they often rely on pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners just to purchase the basics.
“These are your neighbors who have a full-time job and are coming to do this anyway because I like to say it’s fun, but it’s also a really important community service,” said Pine.
Half of the state’s fire departments, which included 194 out of the 340 in the state, participated in the survey.
“That was only 50,” Pine said. “A little over 50% of the departments responding, so you know that that number is actually quite a bit bigger than what we found in the survey.”
The role of fire crews is expanding with fewer structure fires and more rescues and medical calls. The Division of Fire Prevention and Control says the report will guide lawmakers, local leaders and the community on how to best support the fire service.
“Things the funding is a little tenuous as we look at different ways to do it, but we are there for you and never hesitate to call 911 if you need us,” said Pine. “No matter what, we’re going to come and we do it because we enjoy doing it and want to serve our community.”
DFPC says it will use the findings to push for new strategies, funding and legislation to strengthen fire protection statewide.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
