Journal 62: The La Veta Fire Auxiliary

In the heart of the Spanish Peaks region, where rugged mountains and sweeping pine forests cradle the historic towns of La Veta and Cuchara, community is not just a value, it's a lifeline. For mountain residents, wildfire readiness, emergency support, and resilience are more than priorities; they are essential for living safely and sustainably in Colorado’s high country. 

One small but mighty organization plays a critical role in fostering that preparedness: the La Veta Fire Protection District Auxiliary.(1)   Behind every firefighter stands a team of unseen heroes.

What Is the La Veta Fire Auxiliary?

The La Veta Fire Protection District Auxiliary is the volunteer, nonprofit support organization for the La Veta Fire Protection District (LVFPD). Their mission is to support local firefighters and first responders and strengthen fire preparedness across the community.

The Auxiliary is recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit public charity under section 501(c)(3).(2)   Its volunteers work behind the scenes to fundraise, host outreach events, assist with emergency support tasks, and help ensure that our firefighters have the resources they need. 

While the Auxiliary doesn’t fight fires directly, it tackles the essential behind-the-scenes work like increasing morale, community education,  fundraising and emergency hospitality. These types of tings keep rural fire and EMS operations going strong.

Ways the Auxiliary Serves

Living in the mountains requires cooperation and shared responsibility. The Auxiliary embodies both by providing a range of critical services, including:

• Fundraising for Fire and EMS Needs. From community dinners and silent auctions to summer ice‑cream socials, the Auxiliary raises funds to support the fire district.(3)   These dollars help purchase gear, support firefighter/EMS training, enhance facilities, and fill budget gaps that small rural fire districts often face. 
• Providing Support During Emergency Responses. When fire crews and EMS personnel are called out for extended operations or training, the Auxiliary provides drinks, meals, and logistical support by sustaining those who sustain the community.
• Promoting Public Outreach and Safety Awareness. Through events at local businesses and community spaces, the Auxiliary brings neighbors together to promote wildfire awareness, emergency readiness, public safety events, and a culture of mutual support.
• Fostering Morale and Community Connection. Firefighting is physically grueling, emotionally challenging, and often under‑recognized work. The Auxiliary helps ensure that first responders feel supported and appreciated, which is an important factor in volunteer firefighter retention in small mountain districts. 

The Auxiliary’s community spirit shines through a wide range of local partnerships and events. They’ve teamed up with the Cuchara Sanitation and Water District, supported the annual Stonewall Century Bike Ride, hosted the Pancake Breakfast and Trunk-or-Treat festivities, and provided meals and refreshments for firefighters during major incidents and for EMS personnel during training exercises.

Over the years, the La Veta Fire Department has turned to local news outlets to spotlight and celebrate the generous donors whose support of the Auxiliary helps keep our community safe.(4)   In Pinehaven, that support feels especially close to home, where narrow roads, dense forests, and remote cabins make coordinated readiness a shared responsibility.

How the Auxiliary Benefits The Valley

Though Pinehaven sits several miles up the valley in Cuchara, every cabin owner in the Valley benefits directly from the Auxiliary’s mission.

• Enhanced Fire Readiness and Response. La Veta Fire Protection District is the frontline fire and emergency agency serving Pinehaven. The stronger and better supported its firefighters are, the safer every cabin, family, and property in Pinehaven remains. Especially during peak wildfire months. 

• Improved Training and Resources for First Responders. Auxiliary‑funded training support, equipment enhancements, and facilities upgrades help ensure LVFPD responders are prepared when emergencies strike the mountain corridor. 
• Stronger Community Resilience Network. Up here, fire safety is a team sport and every neighbor matters. The Auxiliary builds the relationships, awareness, and volunteer support systems that make regional wildfire mitigation and emergency response more effective for all. 
• Partnership for Local Fire‑Mitigation Initiatives. As Pinehaven and other Cuchara residents pursue grants, donations, and clean-up campaigns, the Auxiliary stands as our strongest partner. 

How to Get Involved

Residents, cabin owners, and visitors who want to get involved can reach the La Veta Fire Auxiliary through the following channels:

• La Veta Fire Protection District Headquarters. 100 Birch Street, La Veta, CO 81055, Phone (719) 742‑3656 
• Email. lvfpd@lavetafire.org 
• Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/100076503196527 
• Event announcements. Often posted through regional event calendars such as the La Veta Public Library website. 
• Donations. Make checks payable to La Veta Fire Protection District Auxiliary, PO Box 455, La Veta, CO 81055. Tax id: 46-3229885 

Bonus Feature You’ll Love

Share Your Cabin’s Story and Support Our Firefighters! Your cabin has a story worth telling and now it can make a difference! Cabin in the Pines will donate $50 to the La Veta Fire Auxiliary for every Pinehaven cabin owner who completes our short online survey and shares a brief history of their cabin. Your memories preserve Pinehaven’s heritage and help protect the community we love. Submit your cabin history at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mycabin 

Conclusion

The La Veta Fire Protection District Auxiliary may not operate fire hoses, drive engines, or cut a firebreak, but their contribution to mountain safety is unmistakable. They embody the spirit of neighbor‑helping‑neighbor, stepping up where rural resources end and community commitment begins.

Their work directly supports Pinehaven’s safety, enhances regional fire resilience, and ensures our valley’s firefighters are equipped, encouraged, and appreciated. In a place where wildfire threat is real and community matters deeply, the Auxiliary stands as one of the quiet forces protecting the people, cabins, and the wild beauty of this mountain home.(5)

← Return to Table of Contents

Footnotes

Parenthetical numbers in the text (e.g., 5) correspond to the sequentially numbered citations listed below.

1. La Veta Fire Protection District Auxiliary, Facebook, accessed November 7, 2025, https://www.facebook.com/people/La-Veta-Fire-Protection-District-Auxiliary/100071634243689/

2. IRS Filing – La Veta Fire Protection District Auxiliary,” (EIN 46‑3229885), accessed November 7, 2025, https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/laveta-fire-protection-district-auxiliary.

3. LVFPD Auxiliary Hosts First Annual Open House Pancake Breakfast,” The World Journal, June 10, 2021, https://worldjournalnewspaper.com/lvfpd-auxiliary-hosts-first-annual-open-house-pancake-breakfast/#:~:text=LA%20VETA,joining%20the%20Auxiliary%2C%20contact%20Laura

4. A Huge Thank You to all the Donors to the La Veta Fire Protection District Auxiliary since the Spring Creek Fire,” The World Journal, August 30, 2018, accessed November 7, 2025, https://worldjournalnewspaper.com/a-huge-thank-you-to-all-the-donors-to-the-la-veta-fire-protection-district-auxiliary-since-the-spring-creek-fire/

5. Author’s note: In preparing this article, the author used AI-assisted tools for research support, proofreading, fact-checking, and stylistic refinement. The narrative, analysis, and historical interpretations are the author’s own, and responsibility for accuracy rests solely with the author. The blog’s research methodology statement is available at:

https://cabininthepinescuchara.blogspot.com/2019/03/methodology-sources-and-use-of-research.html