PREVENTION DIVISION
The purpose of the Prevention Division is to reduce risks in the community through public education, code enforcement, pre-incident planning, and general safety awareness.
CHFD Recommendations
Recreational pit fires: CHFD responds to many reports of recreational fires. When El Paso County is not under burn restrictions (check here) it is permissable for residents to have recreational fires. However, CHFD recommends that such fires be contained in a commercially available fire pit with spark arrestor (example) to significantly reduce the chance of fire spread. You should also have a water hose available and not burn plastics or other hazardous items. If your recreational fire burns or otherwise damages another person's property, you could be held liable for arson.
Knox-Box Rapid Entry System
CHFD has partnered with the Knox Company for lock boxes (for storage of facility key sets), padlocks (for chain restricted entry gates), and override switches (for electronic entry gates). This Rapid Entry System for rapid entry into facilities in the event of emergency without causing damage to the facility. Knox products must be purchased through CHFD. For more information, click here.
Juveneille Fire Setter Program
According to the NFPA, in 2006, an estimated 14,500 structure fires were started by children "playing" with fire. These fires resulted in 130 civilian deaths, 810 civilian injuries, and approximately $328 million in direct property damage. The reason a child may start a fire could simply be accidental or curiousity or a sign of a more serious underlying problem. CHFD has partnered with the Colorado Springs Fire Department for evaluation of any juveneille started fire. For more information, click here.