Mission: Prevent Loss, serve others, protect & enhance the quality of life
Vail Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) is an all-risk fire department providing fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, technical rescue and wildland fire mitigation services. Quality emergency services are an essential component of maintaining Vail’s status as North America’s premier mountain resort community.
Vail Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) was established in 1964. During the first few years of operation, Vail Fire was an all volunteer department. Since then, it has transitioned into a full-time paid fire department, operating out of 3 fire stations, which are located in East Vail, Vail Village and West Vail. VFES serves a population of 5,300 year-round residents, of 20,000 guests daily. VFES responds to approximately 1950 incidents each year. In addition to service the Town of Vail, VFES responds to incidents on I-70 from mile marker 171-190 as well as incidents occurring on the surrounding White River National Forest. Vail Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) also responds to several neighborhoods that are outside the incorporated limits of the Town of Vail as well as the Vail Mountain Resort.
VFES provides and receives automatic and mutual-aid with all fire districts in Eagle County. VFES is a founding member of the Mountain Area Mutual Aid program which includes Eagle, Summit, Garfield, Pitkin, Routt, Lake and Grand counties. VFES has a total of 43 personnel, which include 12 firefighters, 9 engineers, 9 lieutenants, 3 battalion chiefs, fire marshal, fire chief, administrative assistant, wildland program manager and 6 seasonal wildland firefighters. VFES operates four all-wheel drive type I engines, one 75' Aerial Quint, one 85' Tower Ladder, two type 6 wildland engines, three 4x4 utility trucks and one command vehicle.
Fire Chief Mark Novak began his fire service career in San Diego County in 1984 and served with the Tahoe Douglas Fire District in Lake Tahoe, Nevada for 24 years prior to accepting his current position with VFES in 2015.
Letter from the Chief:
On behalf of all the members of the Vail Fire and Emergency Services, thank you for taking the time to learn more about our organization. It is our honor and privilege to serve the citizens and visitors of Vail. We are committed to excellence in emergency services. We believe that quality emergency services are an essential component of maintaining Vail’s status as North America’s premier mountain resort community. Our purpose, values and vision provide the foundation for all of our endeavors.
Mark Novak Fire Chief
Mike Vaughan Fire Marshal
A Letter from the Fire Chief, Mark Novak about the Wildfire Mitigation Program.
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Fire Department