Telluride Fire Protection District

07/29/2026

*Training Under Fire—So We're Ready When It Counts
[Por favor, consulte la publicación en español a continuación.]
Telluride Fire District crews trained with instructors from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and its Mobile Live Fire Training Unit this week at fire station 3 in Placerville.
Using controlled, realistic structure fire scenarios with live fire, firefighters sharpened critical skills including scene assessment, fire attack tactics, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—all in a safe training environment.
Captain Jon Martin, who participated in Wednesday's training, said, "This is the best training of the year. It gives us an opportunity to practice and improve our skills without the actual threats that come with fighting an actual fire."
A huge thank you to DFPC for bringing this valuable hands-on training to our region and helping our crews stay prepared to protect our community.
Note:

The fire is fueled by propane gas and controlled by a shut-off valve, making it compliant with the current Stage 2 fire restrictions in our county.
—
Los equipos del Distrito de Bomberos de Telluride entrenaron esta semana junto con instructores de la División de Prevención y Control de Incendios de Colorado (DFPC, por sus siglas en inglés) y su Unidad Móvil de Entrenamiento con Fuego Real en la Estación de Bomberos 3, en Placerville.
Utilizando escenarios controlados y realistas de incendios estructurales con fuego real, los bomberos perfeccionaron habilidades fundamentales, como la evaluación de la escena, las tácticas de ataque al fuego, el trabajo en equipo, la comunicación y la resolución de problemas, todo en un entorno de entrenamiento seguro.
El capitán Jon Martin, quien participó en el entrenamiento del miércoles, comentó: «Este es el mejor entrenamiento del año. Nos brinda la oportunidad de practicar y mejorar nuestras habilidades sin los riesgos reales que implica combatir un incendio verdadero».
Un enorme agradecimiento a la DFPC por traer esta valiosa capacitación práctica a nuestra región y ayudar a que nuestros equipos estén siempre preparados para proteger a nuestra comunidad.
Nota: El fuego se alimenta de gas propano y está controlado mediante una válvula de cierre, lo que cumple con las actuales restricciones de incendios de Etapa 2 vigentes en nuestro condado.

07/22/2026

Be prepared!

*Mudslide Safety for Motorists
Por favor, consulte la publicación en español a continuación.

As we've seen with the recent Highway 145 mudslides, mountain roads can change rapidly during monsoon season, creating dangerous conditions with little or no warning. The National Weather Service issues Flash Flood Watches and Warnings based on a variety of factors, but thunderstorms can be isolated and unpredictable. Even if no warning has been issued for your location, it's important to remain alert and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
* Stay alert. Watch for rocks, mud, flowing water, or debris on the roadway, as well as cracks, bulges, or other changes in the pavement that may indicate unstable ground.
* Never drive through a mudslide or debris flow. Even shallow mud can conceal large rocks, washed-out pavement, or fast-moving water capable of sweeping a vehicle off the roadway.
* Obey all road closures and barricades. They are in place for your safety.
* Increase your following distance. Leave extra room to stop if the vehicle ahead encounters debris or comes to a sudden stop.
* Remember that mudslides can occur hours after heavy rainfall has ended. Continue to use caution even after skies have cleared.
* Report hazards. If you encounter rocks, mud, or debris on the roadway, notify 911 or the appropriate transportation agency as soon as it is safe to do so.
* Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle. Carry water, snacks, a flashlight, a charged cell phone or portable charger, and extra clothing in case you're delayed by a road closure.
Remember: If you see mud or rocks on the road, there may be much more material still coming down the slope. Do not assume it is safe to drive through or around the debris.
—
Seguridad para Conductores ante Deslizamientos de Lodo
Como hemos visto con los recientes deslizamientos de lodo en la Carretera 145, las carreteras de montaña pueden cambiar rápidamente durante la temporada de monzones, creando condiciones peligrosas con poca o ninguna advertencia. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional emite Vigilancias y Advertencias de Inundaciones Repentinas con base en diversos factores, pero las tormentas eléctricas pueden ser aisladas e impredecibles. Aunque no se haya emitido una advertencia para su ubicación, es importante mantenerse alerta y estar preparado para cambios rápidos en las condiciones.
* Manténgase alerta. Esté atento a la presencia de rocas, lodo, agua corriendo o escombros sobre la carretera, así como a grietas, abultamientos u otros cambios en el pavimento que puedan indicar terreno inestable.
* Nunca conduzca a través de un deslizamiento de lodo o un flujo de escombros. Incluso una capa poco profunda de lodo puede ocultar grandes rocas, tramos de pavimento socavados o agua con suficiente fuerza para arrastrar un vehículo fuera de la carretera.
* Respete todos los cierres de carreteras y las barricadas. Están colocados para proteger su seguridad.
* Aumente la distancia entre su vehículo y el de adelante. Deje suficiente espacio para detenerse si el vehículo que va delante encuentra escombros o debe frenar repentinamente.
* Recuerde que los deslizamientos de lodo pueden ocurrir horas después de que termine una lluvia intensa. Continúe conduciendo con precaución incluso cuando el cielo ya esté despejado.
* Reporte los peligros. Si encuentra rocas, lodo o escombros sobre la carretera, llame al 911 o notifique a la agencia de transporte correspondiente tan pronto como sea seguro hacerlo.
* Mantenga suministros de emergencia en su vehículo. Lleve agua, refrigerios, una linterna, un teléfono celular completamente cargado o una batería portátil, y ropa adicional en caso de que quede detenido debido al cierre de una carretera.
Recuerde: Si observa lodo o rocas sobre la carretera, es posible que aún esté descendiendo mucho más material por la ladera. No suponga que es seguro conducir a través o alrededor de los escombros.

07/21/2026

Kids rock! ❤️🔥
A huge thank you to all of the children in the Telluride community who took the time to create cards for our firefighters.
Your thoughtful messages and colorful artwork are making their way to wildland firefighters on the front lines, as well as our firefighters in Telluride and Placerville, bringing smiles to everyone who receives them.
There’s something special about the joy, creativity, and kindness found in children’s artwork. Your cards and words of encouragement are lifting spirits and reminding our firefighters that their community is behind them.
Thank you—we appreciate every single one of you!

07/18/2026

*Palm Theater Flooding
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Telluride Fire Protection District responded to the Palm Theater at the request of a school official who was en route to investigate reports of flooding.

Upon arrival, firefighters found extensive water and mud surrounding the north and east sides of the Palm Theater and Telluride Intermediate School. Crews immediately assessed the scene for life safety concerns, structural instability, gas leaks, electrical hazards, and any additional threats posed by the flooding and mudslides.

The incident was caused by multiple mudslides that began around 3:30 p.m. from the Jud Wiebe Trail area between Butcher Creek and Cornet Creek.
While most exterior doors withstood the force of the water, one loading dock door sustained damage, allowing floodwater and mud to enter the theater. Approximately 3 to 4 feet of standing water and mud accumulated inside the building.

At Telluride Intermediate School, several classrooms and hallways sustained approximately 5 to 6 inches of water and mud.

There were no reported injuries.

Telluride Fire Protection District Chief John Bennett said, “While we almost exclusively respond to fire and EMS-related emergencies, every once in a while we’re called to something rare like this flood. No matter the nature of the incident, our priority is always taking care of our community.”

07/14/2026

Tragic.

On Sunday afternoon, the pilot of a helicopter assigned to the Gold Mountain Fire was killed when the aircraft crashed into Silver Jack Reservoir in Gunnison County, approximately 15 miles northeast of Ouray. The San Miguel County Sheriff's Office, along with the Telluride, Norwood, and Egnar Fire Protection Districts, joins all those mourning the loss of this courageous pilot. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters and aviation crews who worked alongside him in service to our communities.
*File photo

07/12/2026

All hands on deck.

07/10/2026

Ferris Fire READY status initiated for far western portion of San Miguel County:

*Ferris Fire (see "Strategic Fire" note below):
Residents in the far western portion of San Miguel County are being notified to go into “READY” status to prepare for a possible evacuation due to recent fire behavior associated with the Ferris Fire, which is currently burning in Dolores and Montezuma Counties.
The affected area is Zone 15, which includes all areas east of Highway 141 from the top of Slick Rock Hill to the San Miguel–Dolores County line. There is currently no fire burning in Zone 15 or anywhere in San Miguel County.
This notification is a precautionary measure intended to help residents be prepared and ensure they have ample time to respond should conditions change. San Miguel County Sheriff Dan Covault is working closely with the Dolores County Sheriff and other fire officials to monitor fire activity. We will continue to provide updates and immediately notify the public if changing conditions require any modification to evacuation status or affected areas.
*Strategic Fire Note: Depending on weather conditions later today, fire officials may initiate a strategic fire as part of firefighting operations. If this occurs, residents may see flames or smoke within Zone 15. This is an intentional firefighting tactic and does not necessarily mean the Ferris Fire has grown or moved closer. A strategic fire is a carefully planned fire intentionally set by firefighters to burn vegetation such as trees, brush, and grass ahead of an advancing wildfire. By removing this fuel under controlled conditions, firefighters can reduce the wildfire's intensity, slow its spread, or stop it altogether.

07/06/2026

Telluride Fire crews and apparatus continue to support the efforts in fighting the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. It’s truly a team effort! Stay safe everyone, and thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.

07/05/2026