Our History

The James Canyon Volunteer Fire Department got it's start in the August of 1969 with the help of the community with fund raising and coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and the Mayhill Volunteer Fire Department. Upon election of officers at their organization meeting, by-laws were drafted, building specifications reviewed and training discussed.  In September of 1969, a lot was donated by the Twin Forks development as a building site forthe station.  Construction started in late '69 with completion in early 1970. One of the first fire trucks was donated to the department by the Mayhill VFD.  Two additional trucks were received from the U.S. Forest Service. By August 1970, the officers of the department were studying the requirements for state certification.  Substations were organized in the Sixteen Springs area and Cloud County Estates.

The first recorded fire responded to was in September of 1969, which was a structural fire of unknown origin.

James Canyon Fire Department's current area of responsibility encompasses approximately 48 square miles.  Service to this area include all highways and secondary roads and all structures and private lands.  In addition, JCVFD maintains mutual aid agreements with other departments from various communities within the Sacramento Mountain region.  The volunteers also assist the Forestry Department in wildland firefighting operations throughout the surrounding vicinity.

Three large fires in which the JCVFD aided the forest service were the Scott Able Fire (May 2000), the Penasco Fire (May 2002) and the Walker Canyon Fire (May 2003).  The Scott able fire was contained after eight days.  16,500 acres were destroyed along with 64 homes.  Two lives were lost in a spotter plane accident.  The Pensasco Fire consumed 16,000 acres with approximately $6,000,000 in damages.  With 600  firefighters on the blaze and as many as seven tankers dropping retardant, the fire was 100% contained after 8 days.  No deaths or injuries were contributed directly to the fire.  The Walker Canyon fire burned 3,400 acres and 250 volunteer firemen were on the job.  Since that the brave volunteers have continued to serve our community.

The JCFVD is an Otero County resource and receives financial support as a line item in their allotted annual budget.  These funds are used for daily operations, apparatus maintenance and procurement of some equipment.  In addition, the department remains constantly vigilant for local, state or federal grant application opportunities in hopes of funding future requirements.  To supplement appropriated funds and to finance the department's auxiliary operations, JCVFD hosts an annual barbeque and auction.  An open house is held every Spring to help recruit new members and to socialize with the surrounding community.