Vail Fire & 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.

About VFES

• Established in 1964.
• Began as an all-volunteer department.
• Evolved into a full-time paid fire department, operating out of three fire stations, located in East Vail, Vail Village and West Vail.
• Serving a population of 4,735 year-round residents, and 20,000 guests daily.
• Responding to approximately 2,000 incidents in the Town of Vail each year.
• Responding to incidents on I-70 from mile marker 171 to 190; incidents occurring on the surrounding White River National Forest; and 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 44 personnel, which include 12 firefighters, nine engineers, nine lieutenants, three battalion chiefs, fire marshal, fire inspector, fire chief, administrative assistant, wildland program manager, engine module leader, assistant engine module leader, and seven seasonal wildland firefighters. VFES operates four all-wheel drive type I engines, one 85' Tower Ladder, one type 3 wildland engine, two type 6 wildland engines, three 4x4 utility trucks and one command vehicle.

Letter from the Chief

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.

On behalf of all the members of the Vail Fire & 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. We consider it a privilege to serve our community. If you would like additional information about any of our programs, please contact us. I can be reached at mnovak@vailgov.com or 970-477-3474. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

-Mark Novak, Fire Chief

Our Vision

Vail Fire & Emergency Services will be recognized in our community and region for consistent, rapid response using state of the art equipment and tactics. We are committed to employee development. We will provide a supportive environment promoting physical and mental fitness that allows for growth and competence in the ever-changing fire service. We will strive to become a leader in interagency collaboration and partnership by sharing resources and information.