District Overview
Service area and authorized activities under Colorado law
The Southern Park County Fire Protection District was organized as a Colorado special district pursuant to the Special District Act, C.R.S. § 32-1-101 et seq. The District's boundaries encompass approximately 226 square miles in southern Park County, Colorado.
The District is authorized to provide the following services within its boundaries:
- Structural fire suppression and prevention
- Wildland and wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire response
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) — first response and/or transport
- Hazardous materials (HazMat) response
- Technical rescue operations
- Public fire safety education
- Fire inspection and code enforcement (where authorized)
- Mutual aid with neighboring jurisdictions
District Boundary Map
Official boundaries as established and recorded with Park County
📍 Boundary Description
The District boundaries are legally described in the Order and Decree of Organization recorded with the Park County Clerk & Recorder. The boundaries may be amended through the inclusion or exclusion process described below.
📄 Recorded Documents
- Order and Decree of Organization
- Boundary Map — Current
- Inclusion Orders (all years)
- Exclusion Orders (all years)
Recorded with Park County Clerk & Recorder per C.R.S. § 32-1-108.
🔍 Am I in the District?
To determine if your property is within the District boundaries, you may:
- Review the boundary map above
- Contact the District office at (719) 689-9479
- Check your property tax statement for District assessment
- Contact the Park County Assessor
ISO Fire Protection Classification
Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classifications for the District
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluates fire suppression capabilities and assigns a Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating from 1 (best) to 10. This rating is used by insurance companies to determine property insurance premiums within the District.
The classification reflects ISO's evaluation of local fire protection in three categories: the fire alarm and communications system (10%), the fire department (50%), and the water supply (40%).
🏠 ISO Class 9
Within 5 road miles of any of the three District fire stations.
Properties within 5 road miles of a station receive an ISO rating of 9, reflecting the District's ability to provide fire suppression response within a reasonable travel time.
🏠 ISO Class 10
Beyond 5 road miles of the nearest District fire station.
Properties beyond 5 road miles of any station receive an ISO rating of 10, reflecting limited fire department accessibility due to the rural and remote nature of portions of the District.
How to Improve Your ISO Classification
Property owners in ISO Class 10 areas can reduce insurance costs by maintaining:
- An on-site water storage tank of adequate capacity (typically 1,500+ gallons)
- Defensible space and fuel reduction around structures (NFPA 1144)
- Class A rated roofing and exterior materials
- Accessible driveways meeting minimum width and clearance requirements
Contact the District to request a Fuel Mitigation Review for personalized recommendations.
Approved Service Plan
Organization and service plan requirements per C.R.S. § 32-1-201 et seq.
The District's Service Plan was approved by the Park County Board of County Commissioners and filed with the Park County Clerk & Recorder. The Service Plan defines the District's purpose, boundaries, financial plan, and service commitments.
View Draft Service Plan (PDF-ready) →
Per C.R.S. § 32-1-203, the service plan includes:
- Description of Services: Fire suppression, EMS, public education, and related emergency services
- Financial Plan: Demonstrating the District can provide services and remain financially self-sufficient
- Boundary Map: Legal description and map of District boundaries
- Infrastructure Plan: Apparatus, equipment, and facilities
- Revenue Projections: Tax revenue, grants, and other funding sources
- Consistency Finding: Consistency with the Park County Master Plan
The Service Plan may be amended pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-207. A material modification requires approval by the Park County Board of County Commissioners after a public hearing. The District must provide notice to the County at least 10 days before making a material modification.
Non-material modifications may be made by the Board of Directors by resolution without County approval.
The District files an annual report with the Colorado Division of Local Government (DOLA) within 60 days of the fiscal year end (or 60 days after completion of the annual audit). The annual report includes:
- Current list of Board members and contact information
- Financial data for the prior fiscal year
- Description of services provided
- Information on outstanding debt
- Any material modifications to the service plan
The annual report is publicly available through the DOLA Special District portal.
A special district may be dissolved pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-701 et seq. Dissolution requires:
- Resolution of the Board of Directors or petition of eligible electors
- Public hearing after published notice
- All outstanding obligations must be satisfied or provided for
- Assets distributed per statutory requirements
- Order of dissolution recorded with County Clerk
- Notice filed with Secretary of State and DOLA
Inclusion & Exclusion of Territory
Procedures for changing District boundaries per C.R.S. § 32-1-401 et seq.
Property owners may petition to include or exclude their property from the District boundaries. Both processes require approval by the Board of Directors and, in some cases, the Park County Board of County Commissioners.
+ Inclusion of Property
Property owners who wish to receive District services and contribute to District finances may petition for inclusion of their property within the District boundaries.
- Submit written petition to the District Board describing the property
- Board sets public hearing date (notice published at least 10 days in advance)
- Board holds hearing and considers petition
- Board approves or denies by resolution
- If approved, order of inclusion recorded with Park County Clerk & Recorder
- Property becomes subject to District's mill levy upon inclusion
− Exclusion of Property
Property owners may petition for exclusion from the District if, for example, the property is remote, receives no services, or the owner seeks to sever the tax obligation.
- Submit written petition for exclusion to the District Board
- Board evaluates impact on District finances and services
- Public hearing held with advance notice
- Board must find exclusion will not impair the District
- Any outstanding obligations may need to be resolved
- Board approves or denies by resolution
- If approved, order of exclusion recorded with Park County Clerk & Recorder
District Service Requests
Submit burn permits, property assessments, and other district service requests online
The Southern Park County Fire Protection District accepts online requests for a range of district services. All submissions are reviewed by district staff and you will be contacted by email to confirm or schedule your request.
Available Request Types
Request authorization for a prescribed or debris burn on your property. Required per Park County regulations. Submit at least 48 hours before your planned burn date.
Request a station visit, safety inspection, community education event, or other district service.
Request a property assessment for wildfire fuel reduction and defensible space recommendations per NFPA 1144 standards.
Mutual Aid & Intergovernmental Agreements
Cooperation agreements with neighboring jurisdictions
The District maintains mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire protection districts, the Park County Sheriff's Office, and other emergency service providers. These agreements are authorized under C.R.S. § 29-1-203 (Intergovernmental Agreements) and C.R.S. § 32-1-1001.
Current Mutual Aid Agreements
| Agency | Type of Agreement | Effective Date | Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Neighboring FPD] | Automatic Aid / Mutual Aid | [Date] | |
| Park County Sheriff's Office | Law Enforcement Mutual Aid | [Date] | |
| [EMS Provider] | EMS Coordination Agreement | [Date] | |
| Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control | State Mutual Aid | [Date] |