From the Chief

My name is Steven Brown, and I am the Chief in Mountain Communities Fire Protection District (MCFPD) in Colorado. My job is to protect the health and safety of our community, volunteer members, and visitors.

MCFPD is a special fire district that oversees the Mountain Communities Volunteer Fire Department (MCVFD). Our district was created in 1985 and is estimated at 100 square miles with three fire stations and 25+ active volunteers. We also cover Pike National Forest lands that generate 70% of our rescues and fire calls.

I have served as Chief since 2005. I have three Captains who are my second line of leadership. The MCVFD team is strong, and training is done on a weekly basis all through the year. Our volunteers put in hundreds of hours annually to serve and protect the community. If you have time to help our team, please let any member know. We have an active auxiliary team to support the firefighters, and any resident is welcome to get involved.

Our annual property taxes are estimated at $90,000 in 2023 from Teller and Douglas counties. That revenue basically pays the bills, and with inflation you can imagine — paid full-time positions are impossible. Most volunteer agencies are projecting tax increases to improve equipment and staffing. Our community needs to know this is a concern of all volunteer firefighters, and it’s something we’re considering as we face an ever-increasing demand for our services. As always, your tax-deductible donations are essential and greatly appreciated.

Statistics have proven that 85% of the fires we fight are preventable and human caused. MCVFD needs help from residents and visitors in watching for smoke and abandoned campfires. We can stop most fires with quick respond times. We appreciate your patience on highway traffic rescues and helicopter landings. Please report highway speeders so the county hears your concerns, and wear protective gear on your ATV and dirt bike adventures. Most rescues and injuries are also preventable.

STAY SAFE, and thanks for your support.

Sincerely yours,
Chief Steven Brown