A Quick Reminder: If CSFD doesn't have much activity in our neighborhoods,
That's a good thing! Let's hope they have very little to do!
Remember too, that response time to your property could be extended if CSFD cannot find or access your property. Be sure your property is clearly marked and clear roadway brush that might limit access by larger fire trucks. The CSFD Fire Mitigation team will be happy to visit your property to advise on these issues.
As of January 1, 2009, all fire and medical services for WVFPD are provided by Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). Outsourcing services to CSFD has dramatically improved response times and quality. It as also helped the department minimize the impact of rapidly growing expenses and ever-changing regulations.
In 2021, CSFD responded to 60 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for emergency calls during this period was 8 minutes 10 seconds (0:08:10). Advanced lifesaving techniques were required in many cases. Some response times were extended due to difficulty accessing the sites of the emergencies and incorrect or misreported addresses. This is well within CSFD's citywide goal of 0:09:30. The WVFPD BOD is satisfied with CSFD's overall 2021 response rate.
In 2020, CSFD responded to 29 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for emergency calls during this period was 9 minutes 12 seconds (0:09:12). The COVID-19 pandemic put additional strain on response times due to increased medical activity and protection requirements.
In 2019, CSFD responded to 48 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for emergency calls during this period was 8 minutes 48 seconds (0:08:48).
In 2018, CSFD responded to 57 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for emergency calls during this period was 8 minutes 30 seconds (0:08:30).
In 2017, CSFD responded to 45 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for this period was 8 minutes 44 seconds (0:08:44).
In 2016, CSFD responded to 46 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for this period was 7 minutes 50 seconds (0:07:50).
In 2015, CSFD responded to 49 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for this period was 8 minutes 30 seconds (0:08:30).
In 2014, CSFD responded to 36 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for this period was 8 minutes 9 seconds (0:08:09).
In 2013, CSFD responded to 32 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for this period was 9 minutes 2 seconds (0:09:02). CSFD provided significant resources during the Black Forest Fires which may have slowed some of their reponses.
In 2012, CSFD responded to 23 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls, PLUS they were highly active in our neighborhoods during the Waldo Canyon Fire. The average response time for this period was 8 minutes 6 seconds (0:08:06).
In 2011, CSFD responded to 11 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical calls. The average response time for this period was 9 minutes 25 seconds (0:09:25).
In 2010, CSFD responded to 31 total Fire, Rescue, Traffic Accident, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical Calls. Their average response time for these calls was 8 minutes 33 seconds (0:08:33).
When you call 911, it is routed to either the City of Colorado Springs dispatch or El Paso County Dispatch. After clarifying your emergency, the operator enacts the emergency response system which notifies the appropriate CSFD fire department for your location. In non-emergency situations, CSFD will not use lights and sirens and response times can be naturally longer.
Our contract with CSFD ensures that WVFPD residents will receive service that is equal to, or better than, the service provided to any resident of Colorado Springs, on an average basis. Of course, current conditions and staffing can affect response for any one call, regardless of whether is it is in our District, or the City.
Please note that many factors can affect response time. Phone connections, weather, road conditions, call routing, heavy traffic, information given by the reporting party, and individual and overall fire station call activity can cause response delays.
Also note that emergency medical services are provided on an "as available basis". American Medical Response (AMR) is the primary emergency medical and ambulance provider for El Paso County. When heavily loaded, CSFD may not be able to respond to non life threatening medical issues. (AMR is still expected to provide ambulance service.)
These potential delays and restrictions apply equally to both WVFPD and City of Colorado Springs residents.