Ellicott Fire Protection District

08/21/2026

EPSO has downgraded to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Though we’ve seen an improvement in Fire Conditions please stay safe out there.

☀️ Sheriff Roybal Downgrades Fire Restrictions for El Paso County to Stage I 🌧️

After a thorough review of current fire danger conditions, the recent precipitation levels, and consideration of the El Paso County Wildland Fire Restriction Evaluation Guidelines, Sheriff and Fire Warden Joseph Roybal has downgraded the status for El Paso County from Stage II (implemented on June 29, 2026) to Stage I Fire Restrictions, effective today at 1 PM, for all unincorporated areas of El Paso County.

El Paso County Sheriff and Fire Warden Joseph Roybal issued the following statement:

“Recent rainfall and improving weather patterns across the Pikes Peak region have significantly reduced fire danger, allowing us to move from Stage II to Stage I Fire Restrictions. This change reflects careful monitoring of local conditions and extensive coordination with our district fire chiefs. While vegetation has responded well to recent moisture, fire season is far from over.

“Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in place because the potential for dangerous wildfires still exists. Every resident and visitor plays a role in protecting our communities, open spaces, and natural resources by using caution with any activity capable of starting a fire.

“I appreciate the public’s commitment to fire prevention throughout this season. Continued awareness and responsible behavior will help keep our neighborhoods safe and reduce the likelihood of destructive wildfires as we move through the remainder of the summer.”

Updated restrictions take effect today, August 21, 2026, at 1 PM, and will remain in place until modified pursuant to El Paso County Ordinance #22-001.

Sheriff Roybal will continue to review weather and fire-danger conditions and notify the community of any changes to restrictions as appropriate.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak region to comply with the Order and share responsibility for keeping our community safe. Public cooperation plays a critical role in preventing potential fire hazards.

For updates on fire restrictions and guidelines, visit:

https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/services/fire-information

Suspected violations of the Order should be reported by calling 719-390-5555.

07/06/2026

Our crew has safely returned from the aspen fires, completing a 3-night deployment with tender 3360 for water support. We stand ready to answer the call if needed.

07/06/2026

The crew supporting overnight operations for the Aspen Fire in Pueblo County, consisting of Officer Lafrenier and Firefighter Chandler, is currently operating Ellicott Fire Protection District Tender 3360. With containment at 13% and the fire having burned over 87,000 acres, local agencies continue to provide assistance while resources from across the nation are en route to the area.

07/05/2026

Following our America's 250th Celebration at our local community park, partnered with Ellicott Community Organization, the Ellicott Fire Protection District is fully prepared to ensure community safety this evening. Although one of our trucks has been deployed to Pueblo County for the Aspen Fire, we want to assure our community that we maintain adequate coverage with a sufficient number of volunteers and staff working around the clock.

07/05/2026

The crew supporting overnight operations for the Aspen Fire in Pueblo County, consisting of Officer Lafrenier, Firefighter Falk, and Firefighter Chandler, is currently operating Ellicott Fire Protection District Tender 3360. With containment at 0% and the fire having burned over 85,000 acres, local agencies continue to provide assistance while resources from across the nation are en route to the area.

07/03/2026

Today, Ellicott Fire Protection District crews responded to a call for assistance in Pueblo, Colorado, for the Aspen Acres Fire, with Tender 3360, staffed by Officer Lafrenier, Firefighter Chandler, and Firefighter McKee, who will be part of overnight operations. Wishing safety and success for all responders battling this devastating fire.

07/01/2026

This afternoon, Battalion Chief Crawford and Cadet Crawford, operating Tender 3360 from the Ellicott Fire Protection District, are responding to a mutual aid request from Pueblo County to provide tender support as part of a task force that includes units from El Paso County, specifically Black Forest Fire Rescue, Colorado Springs Fire Department, Falcon Fire Department, Ellicott Fire Protection District, and Monument Fire Protection District. Stay safe!

06/29/2026

Let us take a moment to honor our fallen brothers and sisters. Rest In Peace we have the watch!

🇺🇸 IN MEMORY OF THREE FALLEN WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS 🇺🇸

The wildland fire community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of three courageous firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on June 27, 2026.

Today, we honor:

💜 Emily Barker, 38
Rifle Helitack – U.S. Forest Service
Clinton Township, Michigan

💜 Nick Hutcherson, 27
Kaibab National Forest – U.S. Forest Service
Glendale, Arizona

💜 Sydney Watson, 27
Rifle Helitack – U.S. Wildland Fire Service
Warrior, Alabama

These firefighters answered the call without hesitation, placing themselves between danger and the communities they swore to protect. During initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire, a burnover incident claimed three dedicated public servants and seriously injured two additional firefighters, who continue to receive medical care. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families.

Every line-of-duty death is a solemn reminder that wildland firefighting remains one of the most demanding and unforgiving professions in America. Fire behavior can change in seconds. Conditions can shift without warning. The margin for error is often measured in moments.

As a retired Division Chief, I ask every firefighter preparing for another shift to honor Emily, Nick, and Sydney not only with your words—but with your actions.

Live the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders.

Respect the 18 Watch Out Situations.

Never compromise LCES—Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones.

Maintain constant situational awareness. Continuously evaluate fire behavior, weather, fuels, and terrain. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. There is no assignment so important that it is worth another firefighter’s life.

Will Spyrison Retired Division Chief Angeles National Forest
InciNotes Page Administrator

06/29/2026

Fire Restrictions In Effect! We would like to remind our community to please be safe during high fire danger!

Stage I restrictions are designed to reduce the likelihood of human-caused fires while still allowing for certain recreational and residential activities under strict safety guidelines.

06/23/2026