Conifer-area leaders push wildfire preparedness as Jefferson County affirms fire district unification

At an April town-hall meeting organized by the Conifer Area Council, local fire officials, volunteer groups and county leaders emphasized wildfire preparedness and evacuation planning, and Jefferson County commissioners said they recently affirmed Elk Creek Fire Protection District's unification.

Commissioner Rachel Zentzinger, Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, told the gathering that the county on April 8 "affirmed Elk Creek Fire Protection District's unification efforts" in a unanimous vote, and that the county found the agency had followed "the state statutes and exclusion requirements." The commissioners said the decision clears a legal step in the unification process.

Conifer Fire leaders described administrative and operational changes following recent unification of local districts. Curt Rogers, chief of Conifer Fire Protection District, said the agencies have combined administrative functions since the beginning of the year. Deputy Chief…