Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District protects approximately 52 square miles and a population of about 40,000 people. Most of the Black Forest is located in boundary areas or in the urban interface. The urban interface is best defined as the area where homes meet the wildlands or where homes are intermixed with the wildlands. This includes both grasslands and forest.

All these areas are covered with vegetation that will sustain wildfire under certain weather conditions and promote destructive wildfires. The El Paso County area has experienced many wildfires in the past with the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 and the Black Forest Fire in 2013. Studies have revealed that historically large wildfires impact the Front Range on average of every 2-7 years. The vegetation that occupies the foothills, Ponderosa Pine and native grasses are fire-adapted species which thrive in fire environments.

Urban sprawl and development in the wildlands have contributed to the ever-increasing wildfire problem. It is our goal to work with our community as well as other local fire departments, citizens, local, state, and federal agencies to mitigate and manage the wildfire danger in the Black Forest and surrounding areas.

As many of the homes in our district are located within the urban interface, it is crucial that homeowners work in partnership with us to create the safest environment as possible.

Homeowners must take a personal investment in understanding the risk and the ways that defensible spaces and defendable structures not only help themselves, but their entire community. Please use the link below to gather more information on protecting your property. 

Colorado State Forestry Service Wildland Mitigation for Property Owners

The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District has staff that are trained and prepared to help homeowners better protect their families, homes, and property. It’s never too early to start preparing.

Please review the links below and let us know how we can help!!!!!

For additional information or assistance with your property, please visit BFFR Firewise program