Custer County SAR

06/01/2026

🌲 In honor of National Trails Day, it’s important to know how to handle downed trees on public land. Last winter was particularly windy in the Wet Mountain Valley causing a lot of trees to fail, this makes SAR rescue efforts challenging and timely when trails are blocked. Reminder, only S-112 certifications or above can legally operate a chainsaw in the National Forest. However, you can help by doing these things:

1. Report downed trees to the Forest Service.
2. Volunteer with a local trail clearing organization
3. Do not build “go-around” paths

🌲 Photos & video of three CCSAR members in May 2026, completing the S-112 Introduction to Chainsaw Operations, which is a 4-day course put on by

🌲 They were taught overall safety and maintenance. Brushing, limbing, bucking, and were required to fell multiple trees 8”+ in diameter as evaluation to pass and receive an “A Level sawyer” certification.

Read more safety reminders and tips for downed trees on our blog post. (Link below in comments)

05/27/2026

Due to recent moisture, conditions have improved enough to lift the stage 1 fire restrictions order, effective May 28, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

For more information, please read the press release at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/newsroom/releases/psicc-lifts-stage-1-fire-restrictions

05/26/2026

It’s a balancing act as a SAR volunteer🚨 while summer is our busiest season, it is not unusual to receive a call for help during the shoulder months. We must always be prepared for those calls. 🎒

🏔️ Remember to pack for all weather conditions in the backcountry, the 1️⃣0️⃣ essentials will keep you better protected & warm if you need to wait for a storm to pass or for help to arrive.

🗺️ Navigation
☀️ Sun Protection
🧥 Insulation
💡 Light
⛑️ First Aid Kit
🔥 Fire start
🛠️ Repair tools
🍫 Extra Nutrition
💧 Hydration
⛺️ Emergency Shelter

05/25/2026

We honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/23/2026

Thanks for the support, Custer County 🙌
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Parade 2026

05/23/2026

REMINDER: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.

As we head into the holiday weekend, here is a quick reminder that we are still in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Here’s what this means:

🚫 No campfires at dispersed camping sites.

🏕️ Campfires are allowed ONLY in developed recreation sites in permanent metal or concrete fire pits or grates provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

🫕 Devices solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off may be used in dispersed camping areas. Clear at least three feet of flammable materials above and around the stove/grill.

🚭 Smoke ONLY in an enclosed vehicle, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is at least three feet in diameter and clear of all flammable material. Be sure to fully extinguish your cigarette and dispose of it properly.

Any violation of these prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor.

View the full order at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/alerts/psicc-stage-1-fire-restrictions.

05/21/2026

📍 CCSAR will be set up in front of All the Range Mountaineering and Outdoor Gear this Saturday for the parade! 🇺🇸 Join us for hands-on activities, including a relay game where kids and families can learn the 10 Essentials of hiking.

We’ll have merchandise available and volunteers on hand to answer your backcountry safety questions. Knowledge saves lives — come learn with us! 🏔️

05/17/2026

For our May Ground Training, we started out with and DFPC for helicopter familiarization. Then we headed out to the field where we practiced medical scenarios and moving the litter over varied terrain. With the amount of downed trees along trails after this windy winter, we've been carrying our hand saws to ensure clear passage. Safety is always our number one goal.

05/07/2026

The Crestone group is showing off this morning (5/7/26) after some much needed snow. Remember to go prepared for your adventures, with a solid trip plan, ready for what may come.