Colorado has thousands of small, local governments called “special districts.” Special districts serve a single purpose, such as fire protection, water and sanitation, hospital, and park and recreation services. Evans Fire Protection District (EFPD or “the District”) is one of several fire protection districts in Weld County. The District, though its boundaries are the same as the City of Evans, is a separate and independent governmental entity.

EFPD’s 10-square mile service area is the same boundary as the City of Evans.

FPD is authorized by Colorado law to provide fire suppression, fire protection, emergency medical response, and public education, rescue and extrication, and mitigation of hazardous materials. Though all personnel are certified to administer basic life-saving services (such as CPR) ambulance services in Evans are provided by UC Health.

Until 2011, fire protection in Evans was provided by the City of Evans Fire Rescue Department. That year, after extensive study and community involvement, the Evans City Council determined that the City’s revenue projections were inadequate to address aging equipment, increased calls for service, and rising personnel costs. According to EFPD’s service plan, “the organization of a fire protection district is the best and most advantageous method of providing sustainable, high-quality, and cost-effective emergency services to the City’s citizens and their property.” In November 2011, Evans voters approved several ballot measures to allow formation and operation of a special district. These ballot questions included approving the newly formed District to collect property taxes and assume responsibility for fire service personnel and ownership of all fire apparatus and facilities. Separately, the City of Evans agreed to reduce its property taxes by 10 mills, which was calculated to be the amount the City was spending on emergency services at the time. The Evans Fire Protection District was officially formed on January 1, 2012.