Crested Butte Fire Protection District

06/01/2026

Meet our team: Jay Bettencourt — Captain and Training Officer.

Jay has dedicated his career to serving others, joining the fire service in 2007. He joined Asheville Fire Department (NC) in 2009, and later joined CBFPD in October 2025.

For 16 years, Jay was assigned to Rescue 3, serving as a Firefighter, Engineer, and Lieutenant. He is also an active member of the Buncombe County USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Task Force 2 and served with NC HART (Helio Aquatic Rescue Team) from 2015 to 2025.

At home, Jay is supported by his wife, Amah Bettencourt, along with his family, Elijah Bettencourt (attending Western) and Rowan Bettencourt (currently at NC State University).

Outside of the station, Jay enjoys rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, dirt biking, and fishing.

Thank you, Jay, for your leadership, training focus, and commitment to our community.

05/31/2026

May training recap-

Fire Training
Fire-Propane gas training with Atmos
Wildland sandbox scenarios
Live fire scenarios in the training building
Hose deployment
Forcible entry
Fire attack
Search
Ladder deployment
High raise tactics
Saw training
Flow paths
Victim rescue from window
Air consumption drills
Horizontal and vertical ventilation
Transitional attacks
CAFS training

EMS Training
Pediatric symposium
IV pumps
EMS scenarios for new members
Vac-Mat
Traction splint
Stair chair
Medication administration
Intubation scenarios
Toxicology
Ventilator training

Off season may slow down the call volume, but it doesn’t slow down the work. Our crews dedicate time to maintenance, skills development, and continued training so we’re prepared to respond to any situation where we may be needed.

05/30/2026

Crested Buttes Fire Protection District is proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, and bright futures of our community’s youth.

Some of our graduates were also members of the Explorers Program, where they learned, grew, and gained real world experience in public safety.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026, we’re cheering you on every step of the way. Wishing you success in your next chapter!

05/28/2026

Visit Gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/wellness to register.

05/28/2026

Crested Butte Fire Protection District responded to a reported main gas line issue at 711 Zeligman.

Road access was closed for safety while crews worked the scene. Atmos was on scene assisting with operations.

At the time of the response, there were no structures under threat.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

GMUG National Forests, in coordination with Gunnison County, are actively suppressing the Lost Canyon Fire, located approximately seven miles northeast of Almont near the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area.

The fire was reported at around 3 p.m. on May 25 and has been mapped at approximately 8 acres. Smoke may be visible from the Gunnison Highlands area.

Due to the fire’s remote location and limited access, two large air tankers were deployed to drop retardant and slow the fire’s progression while ground personnel worked to reach the incident. A 20-person crew, eight smokejumpers and a Type 3 helicopter are now assigned to the fire and will continue suppression efforts in the coming days.

The Forest Service and partners are engaging the Lost Canyon Fire with a full suppression strategy. The coordinated response to this remote area will require significant resources to extinguish the fire. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Gunnison County Emergency Management

05/26/2026

Did you know CBFPD fire engines utilize CAFS as a tool to help fight fires in areas with limited access to water?

CAFS stands for Compressed Air Foam System, a fire suppression method that mixes air, water, and foam to create a more effective and efficient stream.

A big thank you to Keith Klassen from Waterous for instructing all of our crews on the capability and performance of CAFS. We appreciate the opportunity to continue learning and sharpening our skills to better serve our community.

05/25/2026

We have crews assisting with mutual aid coverage while multiple local and state resources are in bound.

05/25/2026

Today, our on-duty crew took a brief pause from training to watch the Memorial Day parade as they made their way to the ceremony at the cemetery. We are grateful to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.