Unfortunately, because it has lost approximately 25% of its property tax revenue, Eagle River Fire Protection District must continue to intermittently close its Fire and Emergency Response Stations. In addition to the property tax revenue it has already lost, projections show that the District will lose up to another 20% in property tax revenue, beginning in January 2014, for a combined loss of up to 45%. This additional loss in property tax revenue will force even further reductions in service.
Following is a recap of Eagle River Fire’s intermittent Fire Station closures during the month of August, 2012:
Minturn Fire Station: 6 Days
Avon Fire Station: 4 Days
Edwards Fire Station: 4 Days
Cordillera Fire Station: 8.5 Days
We have received questions as to why the fire station located in West Vail is not included in Eagle River Fire’s intermittent Fire and Emergency Response Station closures. The reason is that the new West Vail Fire Station, along with the fire stations located in Mid- and East-Vail are owned and operated by the Town of Vail. While Eagle River Fire cooperates with the Vail Fire Department, the two organizations are separate and not affiliated with one another. Eagle River Fire Protection District serves Camp Hale, Tennessee Pass, Redcliff, Minturn, EagleVail, Avon, Mountain Star, Wildridge, Beaver Creek (Contractual agreement), Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Homestead, Edwards, Lake Creek, Singletree, Pilgrim Downs, Cordillera, Bellyache Ridge, Red Sky Ranch and portions of I-70, Hwy 6 & 24.
We genuinely regret having to close any of our Fire and Emergency Response Stations. However, with losses in property tax revenue predicted to become even more severe, we do anticipate enacting reductions in services beyond the current intermittent station closures.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Eagle River Fire Protection District
Service Before Self
Karl Bauer, Fire Chief