Crested Butte Fire Protection District

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

Meet our team: Engineer Corey Tibljas

Corey Tibljas joined Crested Butte Fire Protection District shortly after his 16th birthday in early 2002. As the great nephew of a former Crested Butte fire chief, the call to serve came naturally. Corey earned his Firefighter and EMT certifications while still in high school and continued serving the community after graduating from Crested Butte Community School.

Corey attended Western Colorado University, earning a degree in business. He has since used that background to continue working in remote location and outdoor production for television, film, and live events.

Corey’s family has deep roots throughout the Gunnison Valley. Many community members know his mother, Marilyn, who dedicated more than 30 years to healthcare as a physical therapist at Gunnison Valley Health before recently retiring.

At CBFPD, Corey is dedicated to strengthening department readiness. He leads preparation programs for new apparatus operators and fire pump engineers, and he has begun training members in aerial drone operations. These capabilities are expected to provide significant benefits for reconnaissance, incident operations, and real time intelligence, particularly during wildland incidents and technical rescue responses.

Outside of CBFPD, Corey is a member of Crested Butte Search and Rescue and enjoys nearly any mountain adventure with Lo and their dogs, Misty and Sammy.

We are proud to have Corey’s experience, dedication, and local knowledge as part of the CBFPD team. Please join us in thanking Engineer Corey Tibljas for his many years of service to our department and community.

09/01/2026

August Training Spotlight

Fire Operations and Apparatus-
-Driver/operator pumper training for members preparing for the state examination
-Interior firefighter checkoffs for probationary members
-Forcible-entry training
-Apartment stretch scenarios
-Wall-breach exercises
-Rapid Intervention Team training
-Donning and doffing drills
-Drop-tank and jet-siphon training
-Pump testing at Nicholson Lake Ridge Road
-New Sensit gas sensor training
-Hazmat training
-Wall breach exercises

Explorer Program-
-Door breaching
-Interior searches
-Air-consumption drills

Officer and Specialty Training-
-Drone operations training
-Line-of-duty death and firefighter safety case review with corrugated stainless steel tubing gas lines
-acting officer task book

EMS Training and Continuing Education-
-Rapid sequence intubation training
-AEMT checkoff books for members pursuing promotion
-IV skills
-Patient assessment
-Revive Paramedic task books for existing members
-FoamFrat EMS study sessions to remain current with certifications and clinical knowledge

Training is the foundation of effective emergency response. Whether preparing for an exam, completing task books, practicing technical rescue skills, or reviewing lessons from line-of-duty deaths, our members remain committed to learning, improving, and staying ready for the next call.

08/28/2026

Let’s celebrate National Dog Day!

At Crested Butte Fire Protection District, we’re lucky to share our lives with some pretty great four-legged friends. From department dogs to the pups we meet around the community, these loyal companions bring plenty of joy, personality, and occasional distractions wherever they go.

Swipe through to meet some of the dogs who belong to our members and a few memorable pups we’ve met along the way. We’re grateful for every wagging tail, wet nose, and enthusiastic greeting.

Help us celebrate by sharing a photo of your favorite dog in the comments!

08/26/2026

This week, Captain Bettencourt will lead Crested Butte Fire Protection District crews through hazmat refresher training, reinforcing the knowledge and skills needed to safely identify, assess, and manage hazardous materials incidents.

Captain Bettencourt brings valuable experience as a Hazmat Technician, helping ensure our crews remain prepared to protect the community and each other during complex and challenging incidents.

CBFPD maintains a commitment to hazmat operations through continual training, preparation, and hands-on instruction.

08/23/2026

Crested Butte Fire Protection District has deployed a Type 6 engine to assist with the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray.

The crew includes:
-Engineer and Engine Boss John Bielak
-Paramedic Firefighter and FFT1 Mac Smith
-Firefighter/AEMT and FFT2 Sean Slattery
-Firefighter/EMT and FFT2 Dylan Futrell

Mutual-aid assignments support communities facing active incidents while giving our personnel valuable experience in wildland fire operations, interagency coordination, and complex incident response. That experience strengthens our ability to serve the residents and visitors of the Crested Butte Fire Protection District.

CBFPD remains fully staffed locally, with a second Type 6 engine available to respond within the district.

We are proud of this crew’s commitment to serving communities across Colorado and grateful for the partnerships that make a strong regional emergency response possible.

08/21/2026

Crested Butte Fire Protection District is asking everyone traveling on the highway to slow down and stay alert, especially at night and in areas where wildlife may be present.

A recent collision with a large animal caused significant damage to a vehicle and required an emergency response. Incidents like this can happen in an instant, leaving drivers with little time to react.

Please:
-Reduce your speed, especially after dark.
-Stay alert and watch the shoulders for wildlife.
-Use your high beams when appropriate and dim them for oncoming traffic.
-Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road.
-If an animal enters the roadway, brake firmly and stay in your lane when possible. Swerving can create an even greater danger.
-Move over and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, responders, or roadside incidents.

A few extra seconds of caution can help protect you, your passengers, wildlife, and emergency personnel. Please slow down and make it home safely.

08/21/2026

C Shift spent time honing critical Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) skills, including wall breaching and firefighter recovery techniques. This training helps our crews operate efficiently in challenging environments while locating, accessing, and assisting a firefighter in distress.

Hands-on practice with breaching, navigation, and coordinated team movement strengthens the skills needed to support our own when conditions become dangerous. Great work by C Shift continuing to train with purpose and precision.

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Paramedic Eric Roberts, who was officially badged during the August Board Meeting after successfully completing his field training program.

Eric’s accomplishment reflects his dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing exceptional emergency medical services to our community. Please join us in congratulating Eric on this significant milestone and welcoming him into his new role with Crested Butte Fire Protection District.

Congratulations, Eric!

08/21/2026

County officials have officially downgraded regional fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 Restrictions, effective Friday, August 21, at 12:01 AM.
Please take a look at the allowed changes.