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Wildland Fire Team

The Mesa County Sheriff's Wildland Fire Team is comprised of seasonal firefighters and Sheriff’s Office employees.

We are dedicated to saving lives and property that are affected by wildfires. 

Our team members are highly trained, hard-working individuals who take satisfaction in delivering a much-needed, important service to the community.

Visit our Wildland Fire Team page to learn more.

Mesa County Wildland Fire Grand Junction Colorado Logo

Before, during, and after wildfire

Wildfire is a significant hazard in Mesa County.

Due to the county's geographic makeup and climate, wildfire is always a concern.

The threat of this hazard is more severe during droughts and dry spells.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office encourages citizens to know how to handle themselves before, during, and after a wildfire situation.

Photograph of Worker Fighting Fire with water shooting from hose and burned brush and trees

Prepping your home

When there is no immediate danger to your home, family, or business, get ready and refine your evacuation plans.

Be Ready

  • Create and maintain defensible space.
  • Harden your home against flying embers.

Get Set

  • Prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate.
  • Ensure you have a plan of what to take and where to go – evacuation plans will differ this year due to COVID-19.
  • Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you can stay with them, should the need arise.
  • If you need to evacuate and plan to stay with friends or relatives, ask first if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have people in their homes at higher risk for serious illness.
  • If that is the case, make other arrangements.
  • Learn if any of the following establishments are open.
    • Hotels
    • Motels
    • Campgrounds

Be Ready to GO!

  • When wildfire strikes, leave early for your safety.
  • Take the evacuation steps necessary to have the best chance of surviving a wildfire.

Create your defensible space

Create and maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home.

Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the surrounding:

  • Grass
  • Trees
  • Shrubs
  • Wildland area

This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. It helps protect your home from catching fire from direct flame contact or radiant heat.

View the Wildfire is Coming. Are you Ready? flier from Prepare for Wildfire Organization website.

Visit the Defensible Space website from Prepare for Wildfire Organization.

Graphic for Wildland Fire Management - Defensible Space

Harden your home

Taking the necessary measures to harden (prepare) your home can help increase its chance of survival when wildfire strikes.

  • Use ember-resistant building materials to protect your home.
  • Learn more ways to harden your home, making it more fire-resistant.

Visit the Hardening Your Home website from Prepare for Wildfire Organization.

Graphic for Wildland Fire Management - Harden Your Home

Create your own emergency supply kit

  • Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and
  • Keep it easily accessible so you can take it when evacuating. 

Visit the  Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit page.

Visit the Preparing Homes for Wildfire page on the National Fire Protection Association Public Education website.

Graphic for Wildland Fire Management - Create your own emergency supply kit.  Box full of canned goods.

Information for preparing for a wildfire

Provided by Ready for Wildfire website.