Paonia Fire Department

11/01/2026

Good morning all,

It has been brought to my attention this morning and a post (pictured below for context only) was posted about a possible interaction last night while the fire department was handing out candy. The name of the post has been blacked out because we do not anyone seeing this to bring anything negative to them.
First,
We would like this to be known. All of our security cameras recorded both visual and audio during this event. We have reviewed all of the video and audio recordings from both inside and outside of the station and at no time did we hear any kind of comments that were accused of being said.
Second,
I have spoken to all members of the department that were present last night both inside of the station and standing outside and none of them ever heard or said any comments such as this post eluded to.
Third,
We are a volunteer fire department that serves a community from all walks of life. The membership of our department is absolutely no different. All of our members have 1 priority, and that is helping to keep our community safe. This does not just mean putting out fires. This also means that our fire station always has been and always will be a building of safety for EVERYONE no matter the walk of life they so choose to have. Every single member of our department has committed to protecting and serving our community with respect and integrity. If a comment such as this were said, it did not come from any of our members that were present and it was also not picked up on our security cameras. If anyone from our membership would have heard those ugly words being said they would have shut them down immediately. Those comments do not belong in any community anywhere ever. Our community deserves nothing less than respect integrity and compassion from everyone.

Thank you for your time,

Blake Kinser-Fire Chief
Paonia Volunteer Fire Department

10/29/2026

09/02/2026

We would like to remind the community. Paonia Fire Department is a volunteer fire department. We are not as the station routinely during business hours. If you have an emergency. PLEASE do not call the fire station. Instead, please call either the nonemergent Dispatch number which is 970–8 74–2015. Or please call 911 to report the incident.

Thank you

07/15/2026

Update: the fires are out and we are mopping up. DFPC and BLM are also on scene. We appreciate the sharp eyes for seeing these and calling them in.

We are working on gaining access to two separate lightning strikes on Jumbo Mountain. Please do not call 911.

07/13/2026

A helicopter assisting with the Gold Mountain Fire crashed this afternoon. The condition of the pilot is unknown, we are hoping for a positive outcome. 

07/07/2026

When a wildlife starts, people and resources from across the nation mobilize to assist. Whether they are federal, state, contractors or cooperators like us, it is a true team effort.

Firefighters from across the country have come to Colorado to assist in the efforts to combat the . 34 states are currently represented by the men and women actively working to suppress the fire.

Ouray County Sheriff's Office
Montrose County Sheriff's Office
Montrose County Office of Emergency Management
Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management
U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests
BLM Colorado Fire
Gunnison County Sheriff's Office - Colorado
Gunnison County Emergency Management
San Miguel County Sheriff - Colorado
Mesa County Sheriff's Office
Ouray County Emergency Management
Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Montrose
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
West Slope Fire Info

07/04/2026

Paonia Fire Department Fundraiser at Paonia Cherry Days July 4th

07/02/2026

Today is National Wildland Firefighter day. We are thankful for all of our PFD members, local, regional and federal partners for their bravery and dedication. If you know a firefighter, tell them thanks!

Today is National Wildland Firefighter Day, and we're proud to recognize everyone who helps protect our communities and public lands.

Along with our engine, hand crew, aviation, equipment, and prevention personnel, we have robust dispatch centers and fire caches, dedicated fuels programs, and dozens of contracted, state, county, and tribal responders who support wildland firefighting efforts. THANK YOU!

We recognize all of you doing the important individual work, too, from radio services to public communications to keeping our firefighters fed and paid - we appreciate all that you do! Thank you also to the supporting families and friends of wildland fire responders who make it possible for their people to be away for days, weeks or months at a time.

Thank a firefighter today!

History of National Wildland Firefighter Day: https://bit.ly/4wfTAzv

07/01/2026

With active wildfires in the region and dry conditions continuing across Western Colorado, the Town of Paonia encourages all residents to take time now to review their emergency preparedness plans.Preparedness does not mean panic. It means knowing where to get reliable information, having a plan for...