Black Forest Fire Rescue

10/15/2026

⚠️ POWER OUTAGE ALERT: BLACK FOREST AREA ⚠️

Black Forest Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a downed tree on a power line near Juniper Drive and N. Juniper Drive.

The power company will be shutting off electricity to a large area beginning near Shoup Road to safely address the situation.

Residents in the surrounding area may experience a temporary power outage. The extent and duration of the outage are not yet known.

⚡ Please remember:

* Stay away from downed power lines and always assume they are energized.
* Keep a safe distance from fallen trees that may be in contact with power lines.
* Allow utility crews room to work safely.

We appreciate your patience as crews work to resolve the situation safely.

Black Forest Fire Rescue 🚒

10/15/2026

🏠 Turning on your heat for the first time this fall? Pay attention to what you smell.

A light, temporary dusty smell can happen when a furnace heats up after sitting unused. But don’t assume every burning smell is normal.

⚠️ If the smell persists, gets stronger, or smells like burning plastic or electrical wiring, turn the system off and have a qualified HVAC professional inspect it.

🚨 If you smell gas or rotten eggs, leave immediately. Do not operate switches, use flames, or try to troubleshoot the furnace. Call 911 or your gas provider from outside.

🚨 If you see smoke, suspect a fire, or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911. Carbon monoxide has no smell.

Before colder weather arrives:
✅ Check your furnace filter and replace it as recommended.
✅ Schedule professional heating-system maintenance.
✅ Keep combustible materials away from heating equipment.
✅ Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

A little preparation now can help keep your family warm and safe all season.

10/14/2026

🔌 Safe charging starts with everyday habits!

From phones and tablets to power tools and e-bikes, rechargeable devices are part of our daily lives. A few simple choices can help prevent a battery fire:

✅ Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
✅ Charge on a hard, flat surface, away from beds, pillows, and couches.
✅ Unplug devices when fully charged.
✅ Keep charging devices clear of exits.

⚠️ Stop using a device if it becomes unusually hot, swells, leaks, smells strange, or makes popping or hissing sounds. If it is smoking or catches fire, get out, stay out, and call 911.

Check out the NFPA tip sheet for more ways to “Charge into Fire Safety,” and share these reminders with your family. 🔋

10/12/2026

🚒 **Now Hiring: Part-Time Firefighters**

Black Forest Fire Rescue is accepting applications for part-time Firefighter positions. Applicants must be at least 18 and hold Firefighter I, Hazardous Materials Operations, and Colorado EMT-B or Paramedic certifications.

💲 Pay: $26.11 per hour, based on qualifications
📅 Application deadline: October 23, 2026

Learn more and apply at:
https://www.bffire.org/career-opportunities/

10/12/2026

🔋 A dead battery can still start a fire. Safe storage and disposal matter!

Have old rechargeable batteries from phones, tools, or other devices waiting to be recycled? Follow these tips:

✅ Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
✅ For undamaged loose batteries, cover the terminals with electrical tape or place each battery in its own plastic bag to prevent contact with other batteries or metal objects.
✅ Keep lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them out of household trash and curbside recycling.
✅ Use a designated battery recycling or household hazardous waste collection location. Confirm what they accept before making the trip.

⚠️ Swollen, leaking, or damaged batteries need special handling. Get professional guidance before handling or transporting them. If a battery is smoking or catches fire, get out, stay out, and call 911.

Visit our Battery and Solar Storage page for disposal guidance and links to local resources:
https://www.bffire.org/battery-and-solar-storage/

Help protect your home, our waste workers, and our community by recycling batteries responsibly.

10/05/2026

🚨 Saturday Evening Response 🚨

Saturday evening, Black Forest Fire Rescue units 711, 712, 781, 701, and Falcon Fire 381 and Cimarron Hills Fire 1331 were dispatched to a high-mechanism traffic accident involving two vehicles at the north side of Shoup and Black Forest Rd.

Upon arrival, crews found one vehicle on its roof and a second vehicle off the roadway. All occupants were out of the vehicles, and one person was transported for further evaluation.

Incidents like this are an important reminder to stay alert behind the wheel. Slow down, avoid distractions, wear your seat belt, and give yourself plenty of time to react. A few seconds of caution can make a big difference.

Stay safe, Black Forest. 🚒❤️

10/03/2026

🚒 Traffic Incident | Vollmer Road & Glider Loop

Yesterday Black Forest Fire Rescue Engine 711 was involved in an accident near Vollmer Road and Glider Loop after a vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and struck the engine.

The driver of the vehicle was transported for evaluation. Our crew was also checked following the collision and, thankfully, everyone is okay.

Please stay alert, maintain your lane, and give emergency vehicles plenty of space on the roadway. ❤️🚒

09/30/2026

Stage I Fire Restrictions have been lifted in El Paso County. Recent moisture has helped improve conditions, but wildfire risk remains. Please continue to use caution with outdoor flames and anything that could spark a fire. Thank you for helping keep Black Forest safe!

09/30/2026

Did you know Black Forest Fire Rescue has three members serving on Colorado Task Force 1?

Colorado Task Force 1 (CO-TF1) is part of FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue Response System. The team brings together specially trained personnel from fire departments across Colorado, along with medical professionals, structural engineers, and canine search specialists, to assist communities during major disasters.

Their capabilities include locating and rescuing people trapped in damaged or collapsed buildings, providing emergency medical care, assessing structural hazards, and supporting complex rescue operations.

One of our BFFR members recently deployed to Hawaii with the team. We’re proud of all three members for their commitment to serving communities here at home and wherever they are needed.

Learn more about the team and follow their work at https://www.facebook.com/coloradotaskforce1

Tuesday, September 29- Colorado Task Force 1 (CO-TF1) Update:
Sixteen members of CO-TF1 are safely back in Colorado.
They spent the past several days in Hawaii, staged ahead of Hurricane Nolo- to assist in water search and rescue efforts- and returned early this morning.
But even as that deployment wraps up, the task force is keeping an eye on developing weather closer to home.
Moisture associated with Hurricane Polo off the Baja California coast could bring flooding to parts of the Southwest, including New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Colorado.
In response, FEMA has activated Nevada Task Force 1 and an Incident Support Team, and they are headed to New Mexico.
CO-TF1 is working to return to full mission capability to be ready for whatever comes next. For now, we’re glad to have everyone safely home.

09/28/2026

🚒 Black Forest Fire Rescue is hiring a full-time Firefighter Paramedic!

The position offers a 48/96 schedule, a salary of $90,597, and a competitive benefits package. Applications are due October 9, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://www.bffire.org/career-opportunities/