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Current Fire Conditions

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Official Site for the Crystal Park Volunteer Fire Department
and the Crystal Park Metropolitan District

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CALL " 911 " FOR ALL FIRE AND LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES IN CRYSTAL PARK
Register Your Cell and VOIP phone in the Emergency Notification System Today

FIRE DANGER IN CRYSTAL PARK: MODERATE

CPVFD's Engine 910 Undergoes Annual Pump Testing
August 2010

Pump Test

To ensure that our apparatus and equipment remains operational and ready to respond to an incident, annual testing is done to ensure our equipment can do the job it's intended to do.  On August 4, Engine 910 was tested by a team from CPVFD, MSFD and Underwriter's Laboratory. 

The engine did very well,
pumping 750 GPM for 20 minutes at 150 PSI, and at 200 PSI for 10 minutes.

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CRYSTAL PARK SHELTER-IN-PLACE DESIGNED FOR SAFETY FROM
WILDLAND FIRE

Pictures from an Alaskan wildland fire clearly show how well an all metal building with defensible space will survive a wildland fire. The Crystal Park Shelter-in-Place is completely clad in metal; and a wide berth of open space protects it from fire.

Example of shelter-in-place

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STRUCTURE TRAINING AT FORT CARSON

Tower Training

Crystal Park firefighters train at
Fort Carson's fire tower to gain structure fire training. CPVFD Engine 910 performed superbly as it provided attack hose lines for CPVFD and MSFD firefighters under realistic fire ground conditions.

Tower Training

CPVFD firefighters prepare to enter the structure to conduct a primary search and fire suppression. This training is part of the continuing volunteer spirit our firefighters have in protecting the Crystal Park District. Special thanks goes to Ft Carson for allowing us to use their facilities to enhance our proficiency and effectiveness.

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CPVFD Successfully Works With El Paso County ESA for Emergency Services Response Times

ESA Map

The CPVFD has worked with the Emergency Services Agency (ESA) for the last two years to ensure Crystal Park is recognized with official response times from the AMR ambulance contractor in El Paso County. For 2010, the current ESA Response Time Zone Map reflects 45 minute ("Frontier 45") response times for residents living in the upper park above the switchbacks (indicated by blue in the map above); and 20 minute ("Rural 20") response times for residents of the lower and middle park (indicated by pink).
This is a major milestone for the community since before the CPVFD was formed, there were not any designated response time requirements. We want to thank the ESA for working with the CPVFD to get this accomplished.
The complete map for all of El Paso County can be found at the
2010 ESA Timezone Map.

 

 

 

CPVFD Welcomes Two New Volunteers and a new Lieutenant
August 2010

FF Eric Julian was promoted to Lieutenant for the CPVFD, filling the vacancy left by Sean Collins.  He is also a member of the El Paso Wildland Fire Suppression Team and will take leadership of the wildland firefighting crew for Crystal Park.

Ed Costello joins the department already bringing a host of firefighting skills and training.  He will join both the wildland firefighting crew and the structrure crew. 

Kevin Wood is the son of Beth Larson, and will join the wildland firefighting crew. 

Congratulations to Eric, and a big welcome to Ed and Kevin.

CPVFD Continues to Build Positive Relationships with First Responding Agencies within El Paso County.   Rescue 16 On Sunday, July 18th, Crystal Park Volunteer Fire Department worked with El Paso County Search and Rescue (SAR) and “Squad 16” (a high tech communications vehicle) to provide communications for a scheduled race on Barr Trail. During this visit, we worked with the Squad 16 team in scouting locations within Crystal Park that could be useful in supporting possible future incidents/communications needs within  El Paso County, and more importantly, within the Crystal Park District. 

Details about “Squad 16” can be found at the following website: http://usadrc-squad16.us/

DRINK GOURMET COFFEE WHILE SUPPORTING THE CPVFD!

The Crystal Park Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary is excited to announce a simple, smart and unique way to raise funds for our Crystal Park Volunteer Fire Department --
with just the click of a mouse
and the delicious taste of freshly roasted gourmet coffee!

The CPVFD has partnered with IBEAN, a purveyer of fine, fresh roasted coffees.

Go to the IBEAN - CPVFD website to order coffee AND support the CPVFD!

Funds raised will be used to help pay for fire department daily operational expenses of vehicles and equipment, such as an ice rescue sled, ropes and sling, forcible entry tools for structure fire fighting and vehicle extraction tools.


SUMMER FIRE DANGER IN CRYSTAL PARK

Fire Conditions in Crystal Park will alternate between moderate and high danger levels as the seasonal monsoon rains start up and can help keep ground fuels from heating up and drying out.
However, hot weather and dry winds change conditions within hours, so stay on your toes and keep an eye on the fire signs at the gate and the lake.
It is extremely important to be very careful around our homes: equipment sparks, candles on decks...anything can spark a fire on the ground that gets out of control quickly.

Upper Park Sign

You can also check out Current Fire Conditions on this website for
additional information. 

PLEASE BE VERY AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR WILDFIRE DURING ANY PERIOD OF HOT, DRY, WINDY WEATHER.

EMS Rappel

Firefighter/EMT-B Susi Hennessey rappels with a  technical rescue kit weighing approximately 50 pounds during recent Manitou Springs-Crystal Park High Angle Rescue Team training. 
The team spends many hours a month to be prepared for any technical incident within the Crystal Park or Manitou Springs fire districts


News and Events

Proposed Use Agreements for Shared Space and Vehicles

CPVFD Volunteers