Sterling Rural Fire Protection District

10/16/2026

Merino Fire Department Welcomes New 4,000-Gallon Tactical Tender!

The Merino Fire Department is excited to announce the addition of a 4,000-gallon, 6x6 tactical water tender, purchased by the Sterling Rural Fire Protection District.

This new apparatus replaces our 24-year-old, 2,200-gallon tender that suffered extensive tank damage.

With nearly double the water capacity and six-wheel drive, the new tender will improve our ability to respond to wildfires, roadside grass fires, and emergencies in difficult terrain or severe weather. It also allows firefighters to quickly attack fires before they spread.

The increased water capacity may also help improve Merino’s ISO fire protection rating, which could help lower homeowners’ insurance premiums within town limits.

A big thank you to the Sterling Rural Fire Protection District for making this investment in equipment that will help protect Merino and our surrounding communities!

Also Thank you to Proven Truck and Equipment for the delivery of the truck with a brand new tank and custom design in 4 weeks and at an amazing value! Any department looking for a new tender needs to reach out to https://proventruckandequipmentca.com they went above and beyond on budget and on time delivery!

10/02/2026

07/20/2026

Crews are on-scene of a grass fire at CR 17 and CR 38. The fire is out and crews are in mop up.

07/10/2026

**CR 24 Fire Update**

Crews remain on-scene at Advantage Feed Yard. Merino Fire has responded mutual aid to assist with tender operations. Crews are actively monitoring the situation as the bin is off loaded to access the burning corn. Crews will remain on-scene for an extended period of time.

07/09/2026

Crews are on-scene at Advantage Feed Yard working a grain bin fire.

06/13/2026

🚧 PLAN AHEAD: I-76 closure near Sterling next week 🚧

A short, one-time Interstate 76 closure is anticipated to take place next Thursday, June 18, near Sterling. An I-76 closure is needed for crews to complete communications utility work. Motorists for eastbound and westbound I-76 will be routed onto nearby US Highway 138 for a detour route. Travelers are encouraged to plan for approximately 20 minutes of additional travel time during the I-76 closure and detour.

📍 Location: I-76 between Exit 125 and Exit 149
📅 Date: June 18 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: Between 6–8 a.m.
⏳ Closure and detour duration: About 30 minutes to 1 hour

The project is being conducted by Industrial Communications West, LLC, and is not related to the CDOT US 6 resurfacing project between Sterling and Atwood.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this important work is safely completed.

06/09/2026

A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect today, Tuesday June 9th from 12PM TO 9PM for winds SW 20-30 MPH gusting to 45 MPH and relative humidity as low 9%. No open burning will be permitted.

06/02/2026

Crews are on-scene of a haystack fire near EB Maxi Storage. One party has been transported with injures and mutiple fire agencies are working to assist. Smoke will be visible in the area.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

Busy System ✅
Fire Based EMS ✅
48/96 Schedule ✅
Victim orientated tactics ✅
All we are missing is YOU!

SFD is hiring to fill 2 firefighter positions. If your a FF/EMT or FF/Medic looking for a career in a small but busy system we need you! Applications close June 18th so apply today! Follow the link below for more information.

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/AC27AA88C135CFA95198F2E07B1D70D8/jobs/182273