Colorado River Fire Rescue

Stage I fire restrictions begin July 21, 2023

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, BLM, and fire districts in Garfield County

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – 7.18.23, 9:23 p.m.

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN JULY 21, 2023

Garfield County, CO, The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County.

This decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern with the level of fire danger we are seeing is that one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources.

Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors and firefighting resource availability. It’s been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we’ve had 12 Red Flag Warnings, which is more than what we typically see over an entire year. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain anytime soon.

With increasingly dry vegetation, severe drought conditions, and more hot and dry conditions approaching, the danger for human-caused wildfires increases even more.

WHAT STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS MEAN IN GARFIELD COUNTY

  • Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
  • All burn permits are postponed/canceled until further notice.
  • Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in Developed Areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store-bought fire pit) A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings will not be acceptable.
  • No fires of any type including charcoal in Undeveloped Areas.
  • No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
  • No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding” targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
  • Exercise common sense and industry safety practices when welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame always cleared safe area of vegetation and combustibles.

Penalties

Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges include Fourth Degree Arson (M2) and Intentionally Setting a Wildfire (F3). You may also be held financially responsible for damage caused.

Federal Lands

The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.

By Definition:

A “Developed Area” is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by land owner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.

“Undeveloped Areas” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard. 

Stage I fire restrictions begin July 21, 2023

GCECA: Fire closes river frontage road in Silt

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Colorado River Fire Rescue

Photo of fire posted by Colorado River Fire Rescue

5.23.22, 8:12 p.m. – Road reopened. Follow Colorado River Fire Rescue on facebook @ColoradoRiverFireRescue

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

5.23.22, 8:36 p.m. – River frontage road is now open at Divide Creek both directions, Silt.

5.23.22, 6:14 p.m. – River frontage road in Silt is closed at Divide Creek both directions, due to a fire.

GCECA: Fire closes river frontage road in Silt

CRFR: Fire at Alpine Storage units in Rifle

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Colorado River Fire Rescue

5.19.22, 12:45 p.m. – At least 24 storage units have been damaged or destroyed in a fire in Rifle.
The fire occurred at Alpine Storage at 113 Aspen Rd., just west of Cottonwood Mobile Home Park at 8:44 a.m.
Crews witnessed black smoke and large flames upon their arrival and began a defensive attack on the blaze. Mutual aid was called in from Glenwood Springs Fire Department and Grand Valley Fire Protection District. Rifle Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado, Xcel Energy, Covenant Towing and Transport also assisted with the call.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. There was one injury reported.

5.19.22, 9:49 a.m. – Working a structure fire at Alpine Storage units in Rifle. Highway 6 is closed between Mile Pond Road and Peterson Lane.

Structure fire at Alpine Storage units in Rifle.
Structure fire at Alpine Storage units in Rifle.
CRFR: Fire at Alpine Storage units in Rifle

Garfield County fire departments work together to ensure emergency response services in Garfield County

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As rates of COVID-19 increase, the fire chiefs and EMS chiefs of Colorado River Fire Rescue, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, and Grand Valley Fire Protection District are pleased to share the news of our continued collaboration, as we take proactive measures to ensure service continuity.

Through this partnership, we will be able to share resources and provide additional emergency medical support if COVID-related calls begin to overwhelm the 911 system. We continue to adopt new and proactive measures to protect you and our personnel. As we did during the exceptional drought conditions, our departments will be strategically placing ambulances throughout our communities to respond to calls more quickly and readily. We are proud of this partnership, and the security it offers in ensuring the success of our continuity of operations plan.

Colorado River Fire Rescue Transitioning Chief Leif Sackett said, “By working together we are able to share our resources and respond more quickly to patients in need. Our number one goal is the safety of our personnel and community members. This partnership enables us to provide the best medical care and quick transport to the hospital, even if a fire department becomes short-staffed due to COVID-19.”

For further information, please contact any of the Garfield County Fire Chiefs.

Garfield County fire departments work together to ensure emergency response services in Garfield County

New fire at Rifle Fish Hatchery has necessitated evacuation of residents in the immediate area of Rifle Falls.

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Update: 8.17.20, 11:30 a.m. – Colorado River Fire Rescue: With strong work and assistance from multiple partner agencies, the fire is controlled and in mop up. Further updates will be available later this morning. Thank you to all who assisted. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office reported that all evacuations for the fire at the Rifle Fish Hatchery have been lifted as well as road closures on Highway 325.

Update: 8.17.20 at 7:18 am – The Fairgrounds took in ten horses last night. As of 2:00 am this morning, we were notified that cattle, pigs and additional horses expected had turned back to their homes and the Fairgrounds staff locked up for the night. At this time we do not need any donations for the animals. We are grateful for the assistance and teamwork of Rifle Police Department and City of Rifle personnel.

UPDATE: 8.17.20 at 12:07 a.m – Evacuation lifted from Rifle Falls to County Road 226. Maintaining evacuation above Rifle Falls at this time.

UPDATES: Update as of 8:55 pm, evacuation site will be Rifle High School.
Update as of 8:33 pm, evacuation extended from hatchery to County Road 226 – (Harvey Gap cut off).

Updates will be posted at Garfield County Sheriff’s Office facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pg/GarcoSheriff/posts/?ref=page_internal, Colorado River Fire Rescue facebook https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoRiverFireRescue/ and here as they become available.

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Un nuevo incendio en el criadero de peces Rifle ha requerido la evacuación de los residentes en el área inmediata de Rifle Falls.

Actualización: 8.17.20 a las 7:18 am – El recinto ferial acogió diez caballos anoche. A las 2:00 am de esta mañana, se nos notificó que el ganado, los cerdos y los caballos adicionales que se esperaban habían regresado a sus hogares y el personal del recinto ferial encerrado por la noche. En este momento no necesitamos ninguna donación para los animales. Estamos agradecidos por la asistencia y el trabajo en equipo del personal del Departamento de Policía de Rifle y de la Ciudad de Rifle.

ACTUALIZACIÓN: 8.17.20 a las 12:07 a.m – Evacuación levantada de Rifle Falls a County Road 226. Manteniendo la evacuación sobre Rifle Falls en este momento.

Actualización: Actualización a las 8:55 pm, el sitio de evacuación será Rifle High School.

Actualización a las 8:33 pm, la evacuación se extendió desde el criadero hasta County Road 226 – (Harvey Gap interrumpido).

Las actualizaciones se publicarán en Facebook de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield: https://www.facebook.com/pg/GarcoSheriff/posts/?ref=page_internal, Facebook del Rescate de Bomberos del Río Colorado https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoRiverFireRescue/ y aquí cuando estén disponibles.

New fire at Rifle Fish Hatchery has necessitated evacuation of residents in the immediate area of Rifle Falls.

New app helps emergency medical responders reach you before they reach you

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Emergency medical teams can assess COVID-19 symptoms before arrival

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Paramedics and emergency medical technicians from fire departments across Garfield County are gearing up to contact patients on their phones to chat about their symptoms on the way to medical emergency scenes. This will give first responders a digital way to discover if symptoms may be COVID-19 related while en route, allowing them to conserve critical personal protective equipment (PPE).

People who are concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19, or who have any symptoms, may consider downloading the Hippo Health app to their phones. In the event they need to dial 911 for assistance, first responders can send them an invite to ask questions in a video chat on the way to the scene. This telemedicine interview with Emergency Medical Service (EMS) crews may save assessment time on arrival, and help form EMS decisions before teams enter a building.

“The big benefit to telemedicine is it will allow us to conserve PPE and allow additional protection for the EMTs and paramedics – providing them with peace of mind,” said Scott Van Slyke, EMS Branch Director of the Garfield Incident Management Team. “It helps us take the right precautions and preserve PPE to protect the community longer.”

Due to the rapid human to human transmission and potential spread of coronavirus through microscopic airborne droplets, emergency responders are likely to be exposed to COVID-19 on any call involving a patient with specific symptoms. The advantage of having an awareness of exact symptoms, exposure and risk that a patient has had will give paramedics and EMTs better knowledge of what they may be walking into once on scene.

First responders need to triage a patient immediately when arriving; and are already using targeted new screening questions starting as early as on the initial 911 call to determine what a patient’s needs and COVID-19 risk level is. Previously, 911 dispatchers have asked reporting parties certain health condition questions, especially in the case of breathing difficulties. Now, the questions include a panel of COVID-19 related symptom questions as well, which may include if you have had a fever, cough or shortness of breath, and if you have been in direct contact with a person in another known COVID-19 case.

As dispatchers run through protocol when speaking with 911 callers, they obtain a name, phone number, date of birth, and info on symptomology, and now via the Hippo Health app will relay that information through mobile data terminals to responding ambulance crews. Patient condition and symptoms will also be relayed to law enforcement and hospitals which will receive the patients.

“The value for someone who is symptomatic and reaches the point that they call 911, but may not need to go to the hospital, is that we can talk to them over the app to advise them,” said Chief Gary Tillotson of Glenwood Fire. “We can also help be an adjunct to talking with that person’s physician to explain their symptoms.”

Tillotson recommends those who are experiencing symptoms call their primary care provider early, and particularly if they have underlying medical conditions. He says by starting the conversation early it will help determine the trigger points for decision making when treatment is needed. He says that type of conversation may help eliminate a need for a 911 call.

Hippo Health may also assist in triaging patients if hospitals become full and there are fewer choices for where to take people for treatment, as it can help influence how rapidly a person can get to medical care and where they should be routed.

“Colorado River Fire Rescue just pushed a training out to its members on the new telemedicine app,” said Van Slyke, a battalion chief with CRFR.

Hippo Health is available for downloading in app stores for Apple and Android devices; and has a web-based platform for individuals who do not own a smart phone. The website for Hippo Health states it was founded by experienced emergency physicians who wanted to ease healthcare frustrations and make telehealth simple for physicians and patients alike.

Don’t wait until it’s too late

“It’s important that individuals with serious chronic health issues like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and the like, do not forgo medical attention with their primary care providers during this time of Covid-19,” said Dr. Kevin Coleman, CMO, Grand River Health.

“These are conditions that need constant monitoring. You can make an appointment with your physician or make a virtual appointment. Just about every primary care provider in the valley has the ability to do a virtual visit or telemedicine.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to not delay or neglect your health in any manner during this time,” he added.

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

abril 13, 2020
Nueva aplicación ayuda a servicios de emergencias médicas a comunicarse con usted antes de que lleguen en persona

Equipos médicos de emergencia podrán evaluar síntomas de COVID-19 antes de llegar

CONDADO DE GARFIELD, CO – Paramédicos y técnicos médicos de emergencia de los departamentos de bomberos en el condado de Garfield se preparan para contactar a pacientes por teléfono y conversar sobre síntomas cuando van en camino a las escenas de emergencia médica. Esto dará a los primeros auxilios una forma digital para descubrir si los síntomas pueden ser relacionados con COVID-19 mientras van en camino, permitiéndoles conservar equipos críticos de protección personal (EPP).

Personas preocupadas de haber estado expuestas a COVID-19, o que tienen algún síntoma, pueden considerar descargar la aplicación Hippo Health a sus teléfonos. En caso de que necesiten llamar al 911 para ayuda, paramédicos pueden enviarles una invitación y hacer preguntas por video chat cuando van en camino a la escena.  Esta entrevista de telemedicina con el Servicio Médico de Emergencia (EMS) puede ahorrar tiempo de evaluación a su llegada y ayuda al EMS a tomar decisiones antes de que los equipos entren al edificio.

 “El gran beneficio de la telemedicina nos permitirá conservar el EPP y brindar protección adicional para paramédicos, proporcionándoles tranquilidad”, dijo Scott Van Slyke, director de EMS del equipo de gestión de incidentes de Garfield.  “Nos ayuda a tomar precauciones adecuadas y preservar el EPP para proteger a la comunidad por más tiempo”.

Debido a la rápida transmisión de humano a humano y la posible propagación del coronavirus a través de gotitas microscópicas en el aire, el personal de primeros auxilios probablemente estén expuestos al COVID-19 en cualquier llamada que involucre a un paciente con síntomas específicos.  La ventaja de tener conocimiento sobre los síntomas exactos, la exposición y el riesgo que ha tenido un paciente dará a paramédicos y técnicos de emergencias médicas un mejor conocimiento de lo que pueden estar expuestos una vez en la escena.

Primeros auxilios deben clasificar a un paciente inmediatamente al llegar; ya se utilizan nuevas preguntas específicas de detección que hacen desde la llamada inicial al 911 para determinar cuáles son las necesidades de un paciente y el nivel de riesgo de COVID-19.  Anteriormente, los despachadores del 911 hacían ciertas preguntas a los que llamaban sobre su estado de salud, especialmente en caso de dificultades respiratorias.  Ahora, también incluyen preguntas sobre síntomas relacionados con COVID-19, que pueden incluir si ha tenido fiebre, tos o falta de aliento, y si ha estado en contacto directo con una persona con un caso de COVID-19 conocido.

Los despachadores siguen un protocolo cuando hablan con personas que llaman al 911, obtendrán nombre, número de teléfono, fecha de nacimiento e información sobre la sintomatología.  Ahora, a través de la aplicación Hippo Health, se transmitirá esa información por móvil a los equipos de ambulancia que responderán.  La condición y los síntomas del paciente también se transmitirán a la policía y a hospitales que recibirán a los pacientes.

“Lo valioso, es que alguien que tiene síntomas y llama al 911, pero quizá no necesite ir al hospital, podremos hablar con ellos a través de la aplicación para asesorarlos”, dijo el jefe Gary Tillotson de la estación de bomberos de Glenwood.  “También podemos ayudar a comunicarnos con el médico de esa persona y explicarle los síntomas”.

Tillotson recomienda que aquellos que experimentan síntomas llamen a su médico, particularmente si tienen problemas médicos preexistentes. Dice que empezar la conversación temprano, ayudará a determinar puntos de activación para la toma de decisiones cuando se necesite tratamiento.  Ese tipo de conversación ayudara a eliminar la necesidad llamar al 911.

Hippo Health puede ayudar a clasificar a pacientes si los hospitales se llenan y si hay menos opciones a dónde llevar a personas para tratamiento, ya que puede ayudar a influir la rapidez con la que una persona puede llegar para atención médica y a dónde deben dirigirse.

 “El Cuerpo de Bomberos CRFR acaba de impartir un entrenamiento a sus miembros sobre la nueva aplicación de telemedicina”, dijo Van Slyke, jefe de batallón con CRFR.

Hippo Health está disponible para descargar en tiendas de aplicaciones para dispositivos Apple y Android; y existe una plataforma web para personas que no tienen un teléfono inteligente.  El sitio web de Hippo Health afirma que fue fundado por médicos experimentados en emergencias que querían aliviar frustraciones de atención médica y simplificar la telesalud para médicos y pacientes.

No espere hasta que sea demasiado tarde

“Es importante que personas con serios problemas de salud crónicos como diabetes, hipertensión, enfermedades cardíacas y similares, no renuncien a su cuidado con sus médicos durante este tiempo de Covid-19″, dijo el Dr. Kevin Coleman, CMO, de Grand River Health.

“Estas son condiciones médicas que necesitan monitoreo constante. Puede hacer cita con su médico o hacer una cita virtual.  Casi todos los proveedores de atención medica en el valle tienen la capacidad de hacer una visita virtual o telemedicina.  No puedo enfatizar suficiente lo importante que es no retrasar o descuidar su salud de ninguna manera durante este tiempo”, agregó.

New app helps emergency medical responders reach you before they reach you