Pitkin County Sheriff's Office

06/28/2026

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office offers our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and teammates of these fallen firefighters. Our thoughts are also with the two other firefighters who were injured in the same burnover incident. For all those that remain on the line fighting the many fires across the west, stay safe.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is devastated to share that three wildland firefighters lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, as part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado-Utah border. Additionally, two crew members were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital.

Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service stands united with the USDA Forest Service in grief and in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Additional details will be shared as they are able to be released.

06/28/2026

🔥💨 We have received a number of calls about the sudden appearance of smoke throughout the valley this evening. The smoke you are seeing is from several new fires burning in southwestern Colorado and a few large fires burning in southern Utah. While we have had two small fires in Pitkin County following yesterday’s lightning strikes, they were both confined to single trees that were quickly extinguished by our local firefighters.

If you would like more information about the current wildfire smoke conditions in Colorado visit https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/?m=1

If you would like to view a nationwide air quality map showing how local, regional, and distant wildfires impact your air quality and health visit https://fire.airnow.gov

06/26/2026

🔥🔥🔥 Stage 2 Fire restrictions are now in effect in Pitkin County. It is imperative that we all follow the rules to avoid sparking a wildfire. Please follow all guidelines for Stage 2 and share these messages of fire safety with those around you. Together we can protect our beautiful valley and recreate and socialize safely in the outdoors. Learn more at www.pitkinemergency.com.

SPANISH:
Las prohibiciones de fuego de Etapa 2 están ahora en vigor en el Condado de Pitkin. Es imperativo que todos sigamos las reglas para evitar provocar un incendio forestal. Por favor, sigue todas las reglas de la Etapa 2 y comparte estos mensajes de seguridad contra incendios con quienes te rodean. Juntos podemos proteger nuestro hermoso valle y recrear y socializar de manera segura al aire libre. Obten más información en www.pitkinemergency.com.

06/25/2026

⚠️🔥Pitkin County Enacts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Effective 12:01am Friday June 26th / El Condado de Pitkin impone Restricciones de Incendio en Etapa 2 a partir de las 12:01 a.m. del viernes 26 de junio 🔥⚠️

PITKIN COUNTY, CO. (6/25/26) — Due to continued dry conditions, elevated fire danger, and increasing wildfire risk across the region, Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective 12:01am on June 26th. These additional restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires and help protect public safety, property, and natural resources throughout Pitkin County.

For more information, visit pitkinemergency.org, or for the press release, follow this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yNbRSB82M64RbcjIzH8aKgOWb-lgXcM_/view?usp=sharing

CONDADO DE PITKIN, CO. (25 de junio, 2026) — Debido a las condiciones secas continuas, el alto peligro de incendios y el aumento del riesgo de incendios forestales en toda la región, el Sheriff del Condado de Pitkin, Michael Buglione, implementó las Restricciones de Incendio en Etapa 2, efectivas a partir de las 12:01 a.m. del 26 de junio. Estas restricciones adicionales tienen como objetivo reducir la probabilidad de incendios forestales causados por actividades humanas y ayudar a proteger la seguridad pública, la propiedad y los recursos naturales en todo el Condado de Pitkin.

Para más información, visite pitkinemergency.org o, para consultar el comunicado de prensa, siga este enlace: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yNbRSB82M64RbcjIzH8aKgOWb-lgXcM_/view?usp=sharing

06/10/2026

Effective June 10 at 12:00 p.m., Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect throughout Pitkin County.

With hot, dry conditions increasing wildfire danger across our region, these restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our communities, public lands, and natural resources.

Under Stage 1 Restrictions:
- Fires are limited to designated fire grates, approved permanent fire pits, and gas-fueled devices.
- Fireworks and other spark-producing devices are prohibited.
- Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles, enclosed buildings, or developed urban areas free of flammable materials.

Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Please use extra caution when recreating, working, or spending time outdoors this summer. For current restrictions, preparedness resources, and emergency updates, visit pitkinemergency.org.



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Restricciones de Incendio de Etapa 1 ya están vigentes dentro del Condado de Pitkin

Con condiciones calurosas y secas que aumentan el peligro de incendios forestales en toda nuestra región, estas restricciones ayudan a reducir el riesgo de incendios provocados por el ser humano y a proteger nuestras comunidades, tierras públicas y recursos naturales.

Bajo Restricciones de Etapa 1:
- Los fuegos están limitados a parrillas de fuego permanentes, en hogares aprobados y dispositivos alimentados por gas.
- Se prohíben los fuegos artificiales y otros dispositivos que produzcan chispas.
- Prohibido fumar fuera de vehículos, edificios o zonas urbanas desarrolladas que no estén libres de materiales inflamables.

La prevención de incendios forestales es una responsabilidad compartida. Por favor, tenga especial precaución al recrear, trabajar o pasar tiempo al aire libre este verano. Para conocer las restricciones actuales, recursos de preparación y actualizaciones de emergencias, visite pitkinemergency.org.

06/04/2026

Thank you Basalt Police Department for putting out this useful guide explaining the difference between an electric bike and an electric motorcycle. Please remember that only Class 1 e-bikes, those were the motor only engages as pedel-assist, are allowed on non-motorized trails in Pitkin County. For more information on E-Biking in Pitkin County visit https://www.pitkincounty.com/1514/E-Biking-in-Pitkin-County

🚴‍♂️☀️ SCHOOL’S OUT, SUMMER IS HERE! ☀️🏍️

With school out and summer in full swing, we’re seeing more kids, families, cyclists, pedestrians, e-bike riders, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying everything Basalt has to offer.

As our parks, sidewalks, bike paths, trails, and streets become busier, the Basalt Police Department wants to remind everyone to be patient, courteous, and respectful of one another. A simple wave, a smile, or slowing down for someone else can go a long way toward keeping our community safe and welcoming.

We also encourage parents to take a few minutes to review the differences between E-Bikes and E-Motos. While they may look similar, Colorado law treats them very differently. Understanding the rules can help keep our young riders safe, legal, and out of trouble.

Let’s work together to make this a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone.

🚶‍♀️ Share the path.
🚴 Yield when appropriate.
🏍️ Know your ride.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Look out for one another.

And remember… the goal is for everyone to get home safely—with all their scrapes coming from the playground, not from avoidable crashes. 😉

Drop a 🚲, 🏍️, or ☀️ in the comments and let us know how you’re enjoying summer in Basalt!

04/30/2026

⚠️🛑!!!SCAM ALERT!!🛑⚠️
Did you receive a text message with an image that looked like this? It looks quite official, it looks like you might even owe the City of Denver a fine for a missed ticket, but really it is just another scammer trying to trick you into sending them money or personal information. By scanning the QR code in the corner, you're taken to a cleverly crafted payment website that asks for your credit card information or some untraceable payment method. If you entered a credit card number, you will need to cancel that card immediately. If you provided bank information, call your bank to lock your accounts immediately. If you provided other personal information, call the three credit bureaus immediately so new accounts can't be opened in your name. These scammers are clever, but you are smarter. Learn more about how to protect yourself, identify scams, and report them by visiting the Federal Trade Commission's education website. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams

02/24/2026

🚨🚨We’re hiring!🚨🚨
If you’re the kind of person who can hike all day, think clearly at 10,000 feet, and enjoys interacting with other outdoor enthusiasts — this is for you.

NOW HIRING: Seasonal Backcountry Community Response Officer
📍 Pitkin County, Colorado

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking motivated, community-focused individuals to serve as Seasonal Backcountry Community Response Officers for the 2026 Summer Season.

This position blends public safety, education, and high-country problem-solving. You’ll patrol remote trail systems, engage with residents and visitors, promote responsible recreation, and serve as a visible presence in some of the most beautiful — and challenging — terrain in Colorado.

What You’ll Do:
• Patrol the various backcountry roads and trails of Pitkin County
• Provide public education and outreach
• Respond to non-emergency calls for service
• Support deputies and search & rescue operations as needed
• Build positive relationships with the community and visitors

What We’re Looking For:
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent physical conditioning and outdoor experience
• Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure
• A team player who represents the Sheriff’s Office with professionalism

This is more than a seasonal job. It’s a chance to serve, build experience in public safety, and work in an environment most people only visit on vacation.

If you want a role that challenges you physically and mentally — and makes a difference — apply today.

For more information or to apply, visit PCSOJOBS.COM

02/20/2026

According to CRO Lynn Sanson “Pitkin County is a very pretty place to work .” His picture looking back over the freshly fallen snow on Ruedi Reservoir definitely supports his statement. 🏔️❄️🚓