In 1956, five Hartsel residents got together to form a volunteer fire department. In 1970, residents incorporated the department as the Hartsel Fire Protection District, under the special district laws of Colorado.

The Hartsel Fire Protection District currently serves approximately 3,000 residents and extends its services to property owners and visitors who come to enjoy our stunning mountain valley. The district covers an expansive area of about 750 square miles in the southern part of South Park - from the top of Wilkerson Pass to the top of Trout Creek Pass and from the Red Hill Subdivision on Highway 9 to mile marker 32 south of town on Highway 9.

Our dedicated staff and volunteers undergo comprehensive training to effectively respond to a wide range of hazardous situations. This includes handling incidents such as trench rescue, hazardous materials, confined space, building collapse, rope rescue, fire extinguishment, EMS, dive rescue, swift water, and vehicle extraction with skill and professionalism.