September 2026 Emergency Call Summary

Emergency Call Volume

Total Emergency Calls Responded to in September 2026: 21

Backcountry Rescues: 2
Medical Emergencies: 12
Gas Leaks: 1
Hazardous Materials: 1
Smoke Investigations / False Alarms: 2
Public Assists & Other: 3

September Call Trends & Takeaways

September brought 21 total responses, a lighter call volume than August’s 38 but with a notably different mix — a hazardous materials response that required specialized outside support, and a continued steady drumbeat of medical calls that made up more than half the month’s total.

Spotlight: Household Mercury Leak

On September 18, GFR responded to a hazardous materials call after a vintage mercury thermometer broke inside a home. Because mercury is a toxic substance that vaporizes at room temperature and cannot be safely cleaned up with a household vacuum or broom, crews called in the Jefferson County Hazmat Team to assist with containment and proper disposal.

This incident is a good reminder that a number of items still found in older homes contain mercury, including some vintage thermometers, older thermostats, and certain types of switches. If one of these breaks:

What to Do If a Mercury Item Breaks:

Get everyone, including pets, out of the room immediately and close the door
Open windows to ventilate the area if it’s safe to do so, then leave
Do not vacuum or sweep the spill — this can spread mercury vapor into the air
Do not pour it down a drain
Call 911 or your local hazmat resource for guidance on safe cleanup and disposal
Remove and bag any clothing or shoes that contacted the mercury

Medical Emergencies Remain the Dominant Call Type at 19 Calls

Honoring 9/11: GFR’s Stair Climb Fundraising

September also marked the anniversary of 9/11, and this year GFR took part in the Colorado 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives that day by climbing the equivalent of the stairs in the World Trade Center towers in full gear.

Despite fielding a team of fewer than 20 members, GFR raised nearly $6,000 — the third-highest total of all participating teams. Funds raised go directly to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the FDNY Counseling Service Unit, supporting the families of fallen firefighters and the mental health of those who continue to serve.

We’re proud of our team’s commitment to this event and grateful to everyone in our community who donated or cheered our members on. Thank you for helping us honor those we lost and support those still carrying that weight today.

Medical Emergencies: 12 of 21 Calls

Medical emergencies made up well over half of September’s call volume. As cooler weather sets in, be mindful of changing conditions — icy mornings, reduced daylight for outdoor activity, and the usual indicators for cardiac and respiratory emergencies.

Call 911 immediately for chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness
Know your address and be ready to guide responding units, especially on private roads
GFR’s CARES program can connect residents with injury prevention supplies and home health resources

Backcountry Rescues, Gas Leaks, Smoke Investigations & Public Assists

The remaining 8 calls in September were spread across backcountry rescues (2), a gas leak investigation (1), smoke investigations and false alarms (2), and public assists (3) — a typical mix of the non-medical services GFR provides as recreation continues in the shoulder season and residents transition their homes toward fall and winter.

Safety Tips of the Month

October is National Fire Prevention Month, and it’s a natural time to focus on home safety as the heating season begins in earnest.

Safe Disposal of Household Hazardous Materials

Following September’s mercury incident, check your home for older items that may contain mercury — vintage thermometers, older round thermostats, and some types of switches
Never throw mercury-containing items in regular trash; take them to a household hazardous waste collection site
When in doubt about an unknown spill or substance in your home, evacuate the area and call 911 rather than attempting cleanup yourself

Fire Prevention Week Reminders

Test every smoke alarm in your home — if it’s more than 10 years old, replace it
Review and practice your home fire escape plan with all household members, including two ways out of every room
Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, and never leave one running unattended

Heating Season Prep

Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned before regular use — appointments fill up fast as temperatures drop
Test carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas
Never use a gas oven or stovetop to heat your home

Fall Backcountry & Road Conditions

Shorter days mean less daylight for backcountry outings — plan accordingly and carry a headlamp as a backup
Watch for early-season ice on shaded roads and trail sections, especially in the morning
Continue to tell someone your route and expected return time before heading out

Halloween Safety (Looking Ahead)

Choose flame-resistant costumes and keep them away from candles, jack-o’-lanterns, and other open flames
Use battery-operated candles in jack-o’-lanterns instead of open flame where possible
Make sure trick-or-treaters are visible to drivers — add reflective tape or carry a flashlight

Helpful Resources for Genesee Residents

Emergency Notifications

Sign up for Lookout Alerts
Review Evacuation Routes & Information

Household Hazardous Waste & Mercury Safety

EPA: What to Do if a Mercury Thermometer Breaks — Step-by-step cleanup and disposal guidance
Jefferson County Household Hazardous Waste — Local drop-off sites and accepted materials
EPA: Mercury-Containing Household Products — Identify items in your home that may contain mercury

Home Fire Safety & Fire Prevention Month

NFPA: Fire Prevention Week — Theme, resources, and classroom materials
NFPA: Smoke Alarm Safety — Installation and maintenance guide
NFPA: Home Fire Escape Planning — Create and practice your escape plan
Request free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through our CARES Program or through the Red Cross Smoke Alarm Program

Heating Season Preparedness

Chimney Safety Institute of America: Find a Certified Chimney Sweep — Inspect and clean before the heating season
NFPA: Heating Safety Tips — Furnace, fireplace, and space heater safety

Halloween Safety

NFPA: Halloween Safety Tips — Costumes, decorations, and pumpkin lighting
Safe Kids Worldwide: Halloween Safety Tips — Pedestrian and trick-or-treat safety

Backcountry & Road Safety

Jefferson County Open Space — Trail conditions and recreation information
REI: The 10 Essentials — Essential gear for every outing
COTRIP.org — Real-time Colorado road conditions

Medical Emergency Preparedness

American Heart Association: Warning Signs — Recognize heart attack and stroke symptoms
American Red Cross: CPR & First Aid Training — Find classes near you
Genesee Fire Community AED Locations — Know where public AEDs are located

Honoring 9/11

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation — Supporting the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty
FDNY Counseling Service Unit — Mental health support for FDNY members, retirees, and their families
Colorado 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb — Event information for the Red Rocks climb

Emergency Preparedness

Jefferson County Emergency Management — Local emergency planning resources
FEMA Ready.gov: Build an Emergency Kit — Complete guide to emergency supplies
211 Colorado — Connect to community resources and emergency assistance

Community Services

Station Tours and Birthday Visits – Schedule a fire truck visit or station tour today!
Become a Volunteer Firefighter – Learn how you can help serve our community