Origins & History

In 2012, Burning Mountains Fire Protection District (New Castle, Silt) and Rifle Fire Protection District (Rifle) began merging to provide better services to all three communities. This process resulted in the creation of Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR). CRFR provides all-hazards service, including structure and wildland fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and rescue response for the Town of New Castle, the Town of Silt, the City of Rifle, and surrounding areas with a total response area of approximately 698 square miles. 

Vision For the Future

Over the last two years, CRFR has undergone some big transitions.; we adopted our first-ever Strategic Plan, created new job descriptions for our personnel, developed a promotional process, and implemented a competitive compensation policy.  Not all of our transitions have been easy, though, with some bordering on alarming.  A failed mill levy attempt in May of 2020 resulted in CRFR being unable to fill six vacant Firefighter/EMT positions, forced the closure of a station in Rifle, and reduced seven administrative job functions into four positions. However, throughout it all, our crews have remained resilient and steadfast in their commitments to public safety. 

Despite last year's challenges, our leadership team continues to focus on doing what is right for our organization and the communities we serve. CRFR is committed to being an engaged, professional, and high-achieving organization.  Our people are our greatest asset, and as such, CRFR personnel have been and will continue to provide excellent service to our district citizens.  

Respectfully, Leif Sackett - Fire Chief