Frequent Questions

CRESTED BUTTE

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

PO Box 1009, Crested Butte, CO 81224 Office: 970-349-5333 Emergencies: 911

www.CBFPD.org

Answers:

1) Can I burn trash, limbs, leaves, etc., on my property?

No. Well... yes. But you MUST call Gunnison Dispatch at 641-8000 to determine if there is a “Red Flag” warning in effect. Gunnison Dispatch will also want a contact name and number, and the time by which you will fully extinguish the fire.

2) How can I get a burn permit?

You can get burn permits from our main office. We hope to have electronic versions of the permit applications online very soon.

3) Do you get cats out of trees or off telephone poles or roofs?

No. Try opening a can of tuna and waiting for the cat to get down on its own. We've never seen a cat skeleton in a tree. They'll come down eventually.

Related Story: Man shocked trying to rescue cat from pole

Related Video: Cat stuck in tree for hours. Unknown fire fighter comes to save the cat. During the rescue attempt the cat falls over 5 stories, lands on its feet, and runs up another tree. Click here to watch the video.

4) Why do firefighters cut holes in the roofs of burning houses?

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie version of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic, and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.