Windsor Severance Fire Rescue Is Facing A Budget Deficit

Here's what you need to know

Red Windsor Severance fire truck parked with firefighters near its open compartments.

Rising wildfire risk and growing demand for emergency services, and increasing costs are putting pressure on WSFR’s ability to protect its 100-square-mile service area.
Windsor Severance Fire Rescue is a trusted, fiscally responsible organization — but rising costs, service demands, and fire risk are outpacing available funding.
We need a sustainable funding solution to avoid a budget deficit, which will negatively impact services.

Demand is Rising

Wildfire risk is increasing across Colorado. WSFR’s 100-square mile high-risk terrain faces heightened wildfire exposure, requiring faster and more capable response.
Calls for service have increased 29.4% in the past five years, from 4,034 to 5,218 calls annually.

Costs Are Increasing

Over the past 6 years, personnel expenses have grown from 55% to 78% of the District's total budget.
Emergency vehicle costs have more than doubled and it’s taking up to 4 years to get a new fire engine.

Firefighter in full gear carrying coiled hoses running near a red fire truck on a concrete surface.

A Proposed Solution

WSFR Board of Directors is weighing a phased 4-mill levy spread out over 10 years.

This increase will ensure WSFR can meet minimum staffing requirements set by the National Fire Protection Association.

Community Engagement Timeline

April 2026: Community Survey

May 2026: Board discussion / direction

June - July 2026: Community Outreach

August 2026: Board decision

Fire station building with multiple garage doors under a partly cloudy sky.

House engulfed in flames with fire trucks and smoke rising at dusk in a suburban neighborhood.

Five firefighters in uniform standing in front of a red fire truck with Windsor Severance lettering.

Protecting people and property across 100 square miles

Operating out of 4 stations placed strategically across our district

Responding with 65 first responders and critical support staff

Quick Poll

In the last 5 years, do you think the wildfire risk in our community has changed?

This poll is now closed. Thank you to the community for its input. The Board of Directors is set to determine next steps for a potential ballot question at their August 18, 2026 meeting.

Wildfire risk has increased

48%

Wildfire risk has stayed the same

27%

Wildfire risk has decreased

25%

Resources

April 2025 Community Survey

2025 Annual Report

2026-2036 Staffing Needs Assessment

2026-2036 Resource Needs Assessment

2025-2030 Strategic Plan

About us

Our mission is to provide professional service and compassionate care from our family to yours. Our first responders are committed to ensuring your safety and well-being, whether it's through emergency response, fire prevention, or community outreach.

Covering 100 square miles in Weld and Larimer counties, WSFR provides all-hazards response from four stations. We proudly serve and protect the citizens and visitors of our district with a team of 65 personnel. This includes the operations division, the community risk reduction division, and administrative staff who seamlessly work together for the betterment of our community.