One Step Closer to Conifer Fire

Hello Community - We are one step closer to Conifer Fire. This morning, the legal process between ICFPD and NFFPD officially concluded. We wanted to share with you here the media release we have circulated. Thanks to all who continue to support us with this progression toward the best possible public safety we can provide for this wonderful community. We are so excited for the future.

(Conifer, Jefferson County, CO) -- On the morning of December 9, 2024, Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District’s Order of Exclusion from ICFPD and Inclusion into North Fork Fire Protection District was signed by a District Court Judge in Jefferson County. This officially concluded the legal process between ICFPD and NFFPD.

While the districts are eagerly awaiting the signature for the Elk Creek Fire Protection District, this same process with ECFPD has been temporarily delayed because of the filing of a “Motion for Injunctive Relief from Elk Creek FPD Exclusion Order”.

All operations are continuing normally within the respective agencies as they strategically transition with intentionality and accuracy.

“Regardless of timing or delays, the districts are moving forward toward a unified and robust Conifer Fire Department. We will work together just as we have for years, always providing the best possible services to our community. We celebrate the completion of this most recent step in the process, and we look forward to this exciting transition into the Conifer Fire Department,” states North Fork Fire Chief Curt Rogers, who will serve as the Fire Chief for the new Conifer Fire Department.

“Inter-Canyon is no longer,” said Skip Shirlaw, who’s served as Inter-Canyon’s fire chief. “We’re officially part of North Fork. (The motion) is a temporary pause, and it wasn’t unexpected by any means. We’re still moving forward on all fronts. We have a fantastic future ahead of us with Conifer Fire and we’re really excited about that.”

Conifer fire unification opponents file motion that suspends merger process

OFFICIAL UNIFICATION UPDATE FROM ELK CREEK FIRE

Dear Community,
We continue looking forward to fully unifying into Conifer Fire. As you may have seen from our December 9, 2024 announcement and media release, Elk Creek Fire’s participation in unification has been temporarily delayed due to the filing of an injunction by two district residents. We wanted to provide you with an update on the status of the appeal that has been filed with the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Below is a summary, and we have included the letter we received from the Jefferson County Attorney so you may view it in its entirety. You can also view more info about unification here on our website: elkcreekfpd.colorado.gov/transparency/unification

SUMMARY:
On December 20, 2024, we received a letter (below) from the Jefferson County Attorney outlining the Appeal of Elk Creek Fire Protection District Resolution No. 2024-09 Resolution and Order of Exclusion (North Fork Consolidation) and the process that will follow. To summarize, there were three issues put forth in the appeal for the BOCC to consider. Of the three, the County commissioners only have authority to hear and decide on one issue and that is whether the Elk Creek FPD Exclusion Order Violates the Statutory Requirements of C.R.S. § 32-1-501.

The District and the Appellant (those who filed) have deadlines for multiple rebuttals to be submitted, followed by 21 days for the BOCC to review the case, and then a hearing to be scheduled at the next BOCC meeting. At the hearing, Elk Creek Fire Protection District and the Appellants will have 10 minutes to present their cases, no other testimony will be heard.

If you have any questions, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We are excited for the future and will continue moving forward in the ways that best serve and protect our amazing community. In the meantime, we wish you all the happiest of holidays.

UNIFICATION UPDATE - sharing from North Fork Fire Rescue:

North Fork Fire Protection District and the former Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District are excited to share our new logo for the Conifer Fire Protection District!

Today, North Fork Fire Protection District board members voted to move forward with rebranding to Conifer Fire Protection District. This is the first step in the renaming and rebranding process, and it will take some time to complete and make it all official, but we will happily share our progress as we go. We continue to be stronger together. Here’s to a bright future for the Conifer Fire Department!