Emergency Call Volume

Total Emergency Calls Responded to in August 2026: 38

• Backcountry Rescues: 5
• Medical Emergencies: 19
• Structure Fires: 3
• Gas Leaks: 2
• Electrical Hazard: 1
• Smoke Investigations / False Alarms: 4
• Public Assists & Other: 4

August Call Trends & Takeaways

August brought 38 total responses, easing off of July’s record-setting 48 calls but still reflecting the sustained demand of peak summer season. Medical emergencies remained the largest share of our workload, backcountry activity stayed elevated, and our crews responded to a structure fire that could have ended very differently were it not for a fast, well-coordinated response.

Spotlight: Anasazi Way Structure Fire

On August 2, Genesee Engine 931 and Truck 971, together with units from our neighboring agencies, Foothills Fire and Highland Rescue, responded to a structure fire on Anasazi Way. The fire originated on a deck attached to the home. Crews arrived quickly and were able to contain the fire to the deck, preventing it from extending into the home itself and preserving both the structure and its contents.

This outcome is a direct result of rapid detection, a fast response, and effective initial attack — but it’s also a reminder of how exposed decks can be as a fire pathway into a home. Deck fires can start from a range of sources: improperly discarded smoking materials, grills placed too close to the structure, or embers from nearby vegetation fires. A fire that starts on a deck has a short distance to travel before it reaches siding, windows, and eventually the home’s interior.

What Residents Can Do:

• Keep grills at least 10 feet from your home, deck railings, and any combustible material
• Never leave a lit grill, fire pit, or smoking material unattended on or near a deck
• Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris that accumulate in deck gaps and along the base of the structure
• Consider fire-resistant decking materials or a fire-resistant barrier when replacing or building a deck
• Install a smoke alarm near exterior doors leading to decks and patios where feasible

We’re proud of the quick, decisive work by Engine 931 and Truck 971 that kept this family in their home.

Medical Emergencies Remain the Dominant Call Type at 19 Calls

Medical emergencies accounted for 19 of August’s 38 calls — exactly half of our total call volume, consistent with the elevated medical trend we saw throughout the summer. Heat, exertion, and high visitor traffic on trails and in the district all contribute to this pattern late in the season.

Key reminders:

• Call 911 immediately for chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or any other serious symptoms
• Heat-related illness can still be a factor into late August — watch for confusion, stopped sweating, or loss of consciousness in the heat, and call 911 right away
• Know your address and be ready to guide responding units, especially on private roads or areas with limited signage
• GFR’s CARES program provides injury prevention supplies free of charge and can connect residents with home health resources

Backcountry Rescues: 5 Calls

GFR responded to 5 backcountry rescues in August, continuing the elevated pace set in July. Late-summer trail conditions, extended daylight, and continued high visitor volume in Jefferson County’s open spaces all contribute to this trend. Anyone heading into the backcountry should be prepared for self-sufficiency and let someone know their plans before heading out.

Structure Fires: 3 Responses

In addition to the Anasazi Way deck fire, GFR responded to 2 additional structure fire calls in August. Structure fires remain one of the most resource-intensive and high-stakes call types we respond to, and August’s total is a reminder that fire risk to homes doesn’t only come from wildfire — everyday ignition sources on or near a structure can be just as dangerous.

Gas Leaks and Electrical Hazards: 3 Combined Calls

GFR responded to 2 gas leak investigations and 1 electrical hazard call in August. Both call types require immediate response and often evacuation until the scene is confirmed safe. If you smell gas or notice sparking, exposed wiring, or a burning electrical smell, leave the area and call 911 from a safe distance.

Smoke Investigations & Public Assists: 4 Calls Each

Smoke investigations and false alarms held steady at 4 calls in August, continuing to reflect heightened caution during fire season — any smoke odor or alarm activation gets a full response. GFR also responded to 4 public assist calls, covering the range of non-fire, non-medical services we provide to the community.

Safety Tips of the Month

September marks a transition month in the foothills — fire season isn’t over, but cooler nights, the start of the school year, and early hunting seasons bring a new set of priorities.

Deck, Grill, and Outdoor Fire Safety

• Following August’s deck fire, take a few minutes to inspect your own deck: clear debris from gaps and the base, and check that grills and fire pits are positioned well away from the structure
• Never leave grills, fire pits, or smoking materials unattended near a deck or home
• Dispose of smoking materials in a closed metal container, never in mulch, dry vegetation, or planters near the home

Wildfire Season Isn’t Over

• Fire danger in the Colorado foothills often persists into late September — don’t let cooler mornings create a false sense of security
• Continue to check Jefferson County fire restriction status before any outdoor burning or fire-related activity
• Finish any outstanding defensible space work — clear roofs, gutters, decks, and the area within 15 feet of structures
• Know your evacuation route and keep a go-bag ready; sign up for Lookout Alerts if you haven’t already

Back-to-School Traffic Safety

• School traffic returns to district roads in September — watch for buses, increased morning and afternoon traffic, and children walking or biking to bus stops
• Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms
• Slow down in and around school zones and neighborhoods during peak commute times

Early Hunting Season & Backcountry Awareness

• Colorado’s archery and early hunting seasons begin in September — if you or others in your household recreate in the backcountry, be aware of increased activity in shared use areas
• Wear blaze orange when appropriate and be visible to other backcountry users
• Continue to tell someone your route and expected return time before heading out, and carry the 10 Essentials

Preparing for Cooler Weather

• Have your furnace and chimney inspected before regular use begins — technicians book up quickly once temperatures drop
• Test smoke and CO detectors monthly; replace batteries and units as needed
• Begin thinking about winterizing outdoor spigots and irrigation systems before the first hard freeze

Medical Preparedness

• Know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke — early action saves lives
• Heart Attack: Chest pain or pressure, pain radiating to arm or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat
• Stroke (FAST): Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
• Consider learning CPR — community classes are offered periodically by GFR, our EMS partners, Highland Rescue, and the American Red Cross

Helpful Resources for Genesee Residents

Emergency Notifications

• Sign up for Lookout Alerts
• Review Evacuation Routes & Information

Deck, Grill & Home Fire Safety

• NFPA: Grilling Safety — Safe grill placement and use
• 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

Wildfire & Fire Season Preparedness

• Genesee Fire Wildfire Risk Reduction — Local wildfire preparedness information
• Jefferson County Fire Restrictions — Current fire restriction status for unincorporated Jefferson County
• Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Action Plan — Build your household evacuation plan before you need it
• Jefferson County Wildfire Risk Map — Assess your property’s wildfire risk
• Colorado State Forest Service: Wildfire Mitigation — Defensible space guidance and resources
• Firewise USA — National program for wildfire-adapted communities

Back-to-School & Road Safety

• CDOT: School Zone & Bus Safety — Rules for stopping and school zone speed limits
• NHTSA: School Bus Safety — Tips for drivers and families

Hunting Season & Backcountry Safety

• Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Hunting Seasons & Regulations — Current season dates and requirements
• REI: The 10 Essentials — Essential gear for every outing
• Jefferson County Open Space — Trail conditions and recreation information

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

Preparing for Fall & Winter

• 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

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

🧯 Contact & Questions

Non-Emergency Contact:
303-526-1230 | info@geneseefire.org
Follow Us: Facebook | Nextdoor | Instagram