Paonia Fire Department

06/05/2026

There are three small fires in the Glenwood canyon, east of Glenwood Springs.

06/03/2026

The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook was released on June 1st, by Predictive Services, providing a look ahead at expected fire potential from June through September.

With the potential for increased fire activity, particularly across parts of the West, now is the time to make sure your family, home, and community are prepared. Visit ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to strengthen your home, create an emergency plan, and stay safe during a wildfire emergency.

Fire activity increased modestly across the U.S. in May, with brief periods of increased activity mid and late month. The Southern Area observed a decrease in overall activity, especially in the latter half of the month, as periods of precipitation brought relief. Elsewhere, activity overall matched the national trends.

Given the low but persistent level of activity, the National Preparedness Level remained at two (on a scale of 1-5) through May. As of May 31, 2,412,214 acres have burned across the country, which is 195% of the previous 10-year average. So far this year 30,588 wildfires have been reported, also well above average, at 140%.

As a reminder, red areas on the maps indicate above-normal significant wildland fire potential, meaning there is a greater-than-usual likelihood that significant wildland fires will occur. White areas indicate normal significant wildland fire potential, where significant wildland fires are expected to occur at typical times and intervals.

🔥Read the full outlook here:https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf

05/26/2026

There are two new wildfire starts in Gunnison County. Smoke is visible from Highway 92.

05/25/2026

Often, but especially on Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who have died in service to our country. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/22/2026

EMS week is May 17th-23rd and we want to take the time to thank the two agencies we work with the most; North Fork EMS and CareFlight of the Rockies. The care and compassion they demonstrate on every call is inspiring and we are honored to work alongside them. Additionally, we want to thank the three EMTs and two Paramedics we have within our department for the expertise they have in the EMS field.

05/19/2026

Kebler Pass will be opening May 21st!

Gunnison County has announced the opening date for Kebler Pass.

05/17/2026

National Police Week was May 10th-16th. Even though we are a day late, we want to recognize and truly thank the law-enforcement partners we work alongside. They are the best!

Paonia Police Department
Hotchkiss Police Department
Delta County Sheriff's Office
Gunnison County Sheriff's Office - Colorado
Pitkin County Sheriff's Office
Colorado State Patrol
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Bureau of Land Management

05/15/2026

Bear Activity Alert for Paonia Residential Areas!

A bear has recently been spotted moving through residential areas in and around Paonia. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and take steps to reduce attractants around homes, yards, and neighborhoods.

Please help keep our community and wildlife safe by:

✅ Putting trash out only on the day of pickup by 8:00 AM.
✅ Storing garbage in a sturdy building.
✅ Bringing pet food indoors.
✅ Keeping BBQ grills clean and grease-free.
✅ Picking ripe fruit and removing fallen fruit from the ground.
✅ Securing compost piles and avoiding meat, fish, or pungent scraps.
✅ Removing dense brush or brush piles that could provide cover.
✅ Never feeding wildlife.

If you see a bear or have a residential wildlife encounter, please report it to local authorities at 970-874-2015. Call 911 if there is an emergency.

Do not approach, chase, or harass wildlife. Keep children and pets safe, notify neighbors when wildlife is nearby, and give animals plenty of space.

Thank you for helping keep Paonia safe and wildlife wild.