Message From The Chief

We want to share an update on the actions our agency is taking to help protect against the spread of COVID-19, understanding that the health and safety of our staff is essential in continuing our mission.  While the rapidly changing coronavirus pandemic is a source of uncertainty for all of us, we are doing our best to balance the need to protect our staff and their families and continuing to provide EMS and Fire services to our community. We will continue to monitor the situation and do all we can to protect our employees and maintain the service level our community has come to expect. Here are a few changes our agency is practicing:

• We will have limited front desk reception at Station 1 located at 1037 Blagen Rd. Walk-up community members will notice the addition of barriers for safety
• Non-responder staff will be limited – please understand we will have less administrative ability during this time
• Our community room is not available currently
• CPR and First Aid classes are cancelled until further notice
• Responders will wear masks during responses and when social distancing is not possible. We ask you to do the same
• If you are having symptoms of the flu let responders know ahead of time – during 911 call – before we enter your home

I would like to express Ebbetts Pass Fire District’s gratitude to our community for practicing all the appropriate precautions that will no doubt aid in the containment of COVID-19 and eventually its conclusion. We desire for the safety and good health for you and your families

Fall / Winter Precautions:

As the daylight hours become less and it gets dark earlier, be aware that pedestrians are more likely walking after dark and harder to see. Check your home’s heating system for operation before you need it, and don’t forget to make sure your chimney is clean and flume is open before use.

As the rain and snow return to the Ebbetts Pass Corridor and it’s time to reconsider winter driving.  During the winter, make sure your car is prepared, and you are familiar with road conditions.  Check your vehicle’s tires, lights, wipers, and battery condition to see if it is up to the task of winter conditions.  Don’t forget warm clothes/blankets in your vehicle as a precaution. Some winter weather driving tips:

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Don’t use cruise control on icy roads.
• Carry tire chains
• Don’t pass snowplows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you are likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel-drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Mike Johnson, Fire Chief