Colorado Springs Fire Department to Lead Fire Mitigation on Federal Land in Landmark Partnership

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In a groundbreaking move, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) will soon begin managing and contracting fire mitigation work on U.S. Forest Service land — a first-of-its-kind collaboration in Colorado.

CSFD officials say this new initiative will allow the department to directly handle wildfire prevention efforts on federally managed land — something local agencies typically can’t do due to jurisdictional restrictions.

“This kind of partnership is unprecedented in the state,” said a CSFD spokesperson. “It opens the door for more proactive wildfire mitigation where it’s often needed most.”

The department plans to tackle some of the mitigation work on its own, while contracting other organizations to assist with additional tasks.

High-Risk Zone for Wildfires

Colorado Springs is home to one of the largest wildland-urban interface zones in the state — the area where development borders natural wildland. CSFD says this interface spans about 32,600 acres, with approximately one in four city residents living within its bounds.

Officials hope this expanded authority on federal lands will strengthen fire prevention efforts and better protect communities that are especially vulnerable to wildfires.

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Katie Baylett

Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.