Dear Residents of the Steamboat Springs Area Fire Protection District,
As we move into the summer season, I want to take a moment on behalf of the Board of Directors and the dedicated firefighters and emergency personnel who serve our district to express our sincere gratitude to our community.
This past winter brought less snowpack than we typically see across Northwest Colorado. As a result, many of us have been preparing for the drier-than-normal summer and an elevated wildfire risk. What has been encouraging is the response we have already seen from residents throughout the district.
Homeowners have been clearing defensible space around their properties, removing dead vegetation, trimming trees, and taking other proactive measures to reduce wildfire hazards. These efforts may not always be visible from the road, but they make a significant difference in protecting homes, neighborhoods, and the firefighters who may be called upon to defend them.
Wildfire preparedness is truly a shared responsibility. While SSAFPD and Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue remain committed to providing exceptional emergency response and fire prevention services, the actions taken by property owners are among the most effective tools available to reduce wildfire impacts. Every branch removed from a roofline, every brush pile cleared, and every defensible space project completed contributes to a safer community.
I would also encourage those who have not yet taken steps to prepare their property to consider doing so now. Small actions taken today can have a meaningful impact during the height of fire season.
Our community has always demonstrated a remarkable commitment to looking out for one another. The preparation efforts we are seeing throughout the district reflect that spirit and reinforce why Steamboat Springs and Routt County remain such special places to live.
Thank you for your partnership, your vigilance, and your commitment to keeping our community safe. Together, we can reduce risk, strengthen resilience, and help ensure a safer summer for everyone.
Sincerely,
Randall Hannaway
Chairman, Steamboat Springs Area Fire Protection District