Welcome to the Official Website for the
Cortez Fire Protection District

Chimney Fire 2009

Precautions prevent chimney fires JANUARY 26 - Chilly temperatures spiraling into the new year often have precipitated a number of chimney fires in and around Cortez as wood burning becomes a main source for home heating. Brandon Johnson, fire inspector for the Cortez Fire Protection District, said about 10 chimney fires occurred during the 2009 winter season, most of which came in January and February. A few of the 10 resulted in fully engulfed ... (Full Story & Photos)

One Vehicle Rollover Down McElmo JANUARY 21 - Cortez Firefighters place an accident victim on the stretcher after spending close to an hour cutting the doors off and the seats out of a Mercury Mountaineer that rolled on County Road G at Road J about 8:50 a.m. Wednesday. The driver, Beverly Oferkuch, and passenger were both transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital. The passenger was wedged in the vehicle, and rescue personnel had to cut out ... (Full Story & Photos)

McElmo Wreck

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommend a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.

The Low Down on Carbon Monoxide Detectors JANUARY 12 - What is Carbon Monoxide (CO) ? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO ... (Full Story & Photos)

Santa Trades his Sleigh for a Fire Truck DECEMBER 21 - On Saturday Dec. 19, 2009, Cortez Firefighters picked up Santa and took him to the intersection of Market and Main Streets. The event was hosted by the American Legion Post 75. Gifts and fire prevention items were handed out to the kids. Note picture Date is wrong.... (Full Story & Photos)

One Vehicle Rollover DECEMBER 16 - Cortez Fire responded to a one vehicle rollover just south of Empire Electric on N. Broadway. All occupants were ok and no one was transported to the hospital.... (Full Story & Photos)

MVA at N. Broadway

Car Fire Madison & 7th

Car Fire DECEMBER 09 - Cortez Fire responded to a car fire today at the intersection of 7th and Madison. All occupants of the car were able to escape, car was heavily smoke damaged.... (Full Story & Photos)

Tree trunk bash NOVEMBER 30 - Police responded to reports of a van swerving along Montezuma Avenue Tuesday night. According to Cortez Police Public Information Officer Angelia Herrmann, the 17-year-old male driver and two juvenile passengers swerved into the bike lane, then hit a tree in the center island of Montezuma Avenue about 6:30 p.m. near Elm Street in Cortez. The driver was transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital while ... (Full Story & Photos)