It was recently announced that the Boulder Rural Fire Protection District (BRFPD) will not merge with the Boulder Fire Department. Consolidation of the two fire fighting agencies had been considered for seven months. 

BRFPD Chief Bruce Mygatt has opened discussion with the Cherryvale Fire Protection District (CFPD) regarding a possible consolidation. The CFPD covers approximately 55 square miles, with five stations staffed with 12 career and 60 volunteer members. 

A merger would help the departments fight sustained fires or battle two fires at once. A consolidated department also would help BRFPD staff its two stations during the days.

The department also is talking with the Boulder Emergency Squad about sharing resources.

Fifty-five volunteers and five full-time paid staff provide service to the 25 square mile BRFPD which includes Gunbarrel, Heatherwood, Red Fox Hills, Lake Valley, and North Rim subdivisions, as well as apartment complexes and condominiums in the Gunbarrel area. The district also protects light industrial complexes, agricultural fields and mountain forests.

The mission of the BRFPD is to provide the residents of the district with the best fire prevention, fire protection and emergency medical services in Boulder County at the lowest possible cost to the tax payers.