Colorado fire departments say they’re running out of firefighters, gear, and funding

New statewide report warns of critical shortages that could slow response times and put communities at risk

DENVER, Colo. – A new report from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control shows fire departments across the state face ongoing challenges with staffing, equipment, training, and funding.

The 2024 Fire Service Needs Assessment surveyed 194 fire departments between November and December 2024. The report provides a snapshot of current resources, training levels, and future needs of Colorado’s fire service.

Key Findings

• Staffing Needs: Departments report needing 1,121 career firefighters and 1,142 volunteer firefighters in the next two years.
• Apparatus Needs: Fire departments identified a need for 753 new or replacement vehicles, including engines, brush trucks, ambulances, and command vehicles.
• Equipment Costs: Departments report more than $25 million is required to meet current equipment and protective gear needs.
• Funding Gaps: 82% of fire departments say they do not have adequate funding to cover their top three needs.
• Training Barriers: 77% of departments cite time commitments as the biggest challenge to obtaining state certifications.

Funding

The survey found that 87% of fire departments rely on property taxes as their primary source of revenue. Many departments also rely on grants, with the most common being the Colorado Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant, FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant, and the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant.

Training and Facilities

The report highlights firefighter training as a major need. 58% of fire departments require state certifications, but many cite time, costs, and access to instructors or facilities as barriers. Wildland fire training is also a priority, with most departments providing basic training and a majority requiring annual refresher courses.

In terms of facilities, 68% of departments said they do not have adequate funding for needed improvements, which include remodeling existing stations, adding ventilation systems, and building new stations.

Challenges

Departments reported a variety of challenges, including:

• Funding shortfalls for equipment, facilities, and staffing
• Recruiting and retaining both paid and volunteer firefighters
• Access to training and maintaining certifications
• Aging facilities and apparatus
• Preparing for wildland fire risks

Conclusion

The report concludes that Colorado fire departments have needs that exceed current funding levels. While state programs and grants provide some support, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control says the findings will be used to guide strategies to better meet the needs of fire service agencies across the state.