Crawford Volunteer Fire Department

08/20/2026

🔥 Fire Mitigation Season is Here 🔥

We've walked onto more than one property and wished the brush had been cleared, the branches cut back, the woodpile moved away from the house. Defensible space doesn't stop a fire, it buys us room to fight it and buys you time to get out safe.

Late fall through spring is the best window to get it done:

✅ Clear brush within 30 ft of your home
✅ Remove ladder fuels
✅ Clear roofs and gutters
✅ Stack firewood 30+ ft away

A property that's mitigated is one we can defend. Help us help you.

If you need a hand with fire mitigation, Outbound Contracting was started by some of our own firefighters who know exactly what this should look like.

Stay safe, Crawford.

Why fire mitigation is personal for us

Our crew does defensible space and mitigation work during the day, and we serve on the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department too. That's not a coincidence, it's the same reason we do both.

🚒 We've responded to the fires that a well-prepared property survives, and the ones that don't 🏡 We see firsthand what 5 feet of clear space around a foundation actually means when it counts 🤝 It's not just a job to us, it's our community too

The work we do for your property is the same standard we hold our own to.

Stay safe out there this season.

📍 Proudly serving Delta, Montrose, Mesa, and Gunnison counties

08/02/2026

Some more pictures from yesterday’s propane training. Thanks for hosting Delta Volunteer Fire Department!

08/02/2026

Today five firefighters from CVFD joined crews from Delta and Grand Junction for propane fire training. Propane fires present different hazards than the wood and brush fires we typically respond to — propane is a pressurized gas rather than a solid fuel, so it burns differently and calls for different suppression tactics and safety protocols.

Training alongside neighboring departments also helps us build the shared tactics and communication we rely on when we're called to support each other on mutual aid calls.

Big thanks to Colorado Propane Fire Training for hosting in Delta!

07/21/2026

⚡️ Lightning Strike Fires ⚡️

Last night, CVFD responded to multiple lightning strike fires as a thunderstorm rolled through the area. Fortunately, by the time we arrived, the fires had been largely extinguished by local residents who quickly stepped up and took action to keep them from spreading.

We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who jumped in to help. Your quick thinking and willingness to lend a hand made a real difference and helped minimize damage before our crews arrived.

As a reminder, lightning can ignite trees, fields, and other vegetation—even during a rainstorm. If you notice smoke or fire after a storm passes, report it immediately by calling 911.

07/15/2026

A Big Thank You to a Local Hero! 🚒

At 2:56 a.m. last night, CVFD was dispatched to a front porch fire. While driving to work, Tim Lucas spotted flames at a neighbor's house, called 911, grabbed a nearby garden hose, and started knocking on the door to wake the homeowners, who were fast asleep.

Thanks to Tim's quick actions, the homeowners were able to get the fire under control before our crews arrived. Without his fast response, the fire could have spread from the porch to the rest of the house.

Tim left before we had a chance to thank him in person, so we'd like to do it here. Thank you, Tim, for looking out for your neighbors and for stepping up when it mattered. We're proud to have people like you in our community!

06/30/2026

With several fires burning in the region, it’s understandable to be concerned. Please stay alert, but don’t panic.

Call 911 if you see:
Active flames, a new smoke column, illegal burning, fireworks, downed power lines, vehicle/equipment fires, or anything threatening homes, fields, brush, livestock, or people.

Please do not call 911 just for:
General smoky air, the smell of smoke, distant haze, rumors, scanner traffic, or questions about fire updates when there is no immediate danger.

If smoke is far away and you cannot see the source, active flames, or a clear new smoke column, it is likely closer to someone else who can report it directly if needed. Please use official updates instead of calling 911 for distant smoke or haze alone.

Use official sources for updates, follow fire restrictions, avoid anything that can spark, and keep your home and property clear of dry grass, weeds, and debris.

Consider downloading the Watch Duty app to check if your concern is an active fire or not.

Our town has limited volunteer resources, and we need to be ready to protect your homes and property locally.

Stay aware, stay calm, and look out for your neighbors.

06/20/2026

CVFD was released from the Lawhead Gulch Fire last night around 10:50 p.m. and was not called back out today thanks to the excellent progress made in containing the fire. We are grateful for the favorable outcome and the hard work of everyone involved.

We are always proud to provide mutual aid to our neighboring departments and greatly appreciate the outstanding incident command and coordination provided by Hotchkiss Fire District .

Here are a few scenes from yesterday’s efforts.

06/19/2026

Quick update on the Lawhead Gulch fire from one of our firefighters. Please keep us in your prayers as we try to keep the fire from spreading any further 🙏