Lake George Fire Protection District is gearing up for its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser to be held August 16 and the on-line auction. They are in need of items and/or services to be donated for the auction.

All items will be placed in the online auction, which will run from Aug. 4 at 8 a.m. through Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.

“Proceeds received from this year’s event will be used to purchase a new EMS/Rescue Vehicle ($85,000 vehicle partially funded through a grant that our portion is $10,000) to replace a 35-year-old vital response vehicle; a drone with thermal capabilities for investigating smoke reports, locating and finding access to fires or lost hikers and a large portable water pump that can be taken to locations quickly to refill trucks during fires,” Fire Chief Susan Bernstetter said. “This year marks 50 years as a Fire Protection District and our goal is $50,000. 50 years/ $50,000.”

Monetary donations are also being accepted to offset the costs of the spaghetti dinner.

Items for the auction can be taken to LGFPD Station 1 at the corner of US 24 and CR 90 in Lake George. It is recommended that you call first to make sure someone is there as they may be out on a call. Call 719-748-3022 or email susan@lakegeorgefire.com. Monetary donations can be sent to 8951 County Road 90, Lake George, CO, 80827.

Lake George Fire Protection District is a volunteer fire and EMS response organization. LGFPD has a paid chief, administrative assistant, and averages 20 volunteers on their roster. LGFPD has been a special district for 45 years. LGFPD has four stations housing 13 engines, squads, rescue and utility vehicles and an additional squad and command vehicle that are at residences. Due to the size of the district, each of these locations need equipment to handle any type of call. The 250 square mile district is 87% Federal or State lands that it does not receive funding from. The district relies on tax revenues from the remaining 13%, donations and grants.

The community is mostly made up of ranches, fishing/hunting cabins and secondary vacation homes. Although population is reported to average 2500 residents, the additional short-term vacationers add considerably to that number. There are a limited number of businesses in the ‘town’ of Lake George. Lake George has a general store, two RV parks, two small cabin-rental parks, a hemp shop, a fly-fishing shop, a BBQ restaurant, and a café. Lake George also has three propane bulk and tank storage facilities. It has a library, a charter school, and three churches. Although most of the Lake George Fire Protection District is Federal land, LGFPD units respond to all calls in the district regardless of location. The US Forest Service does not provide medical or rescue services for those on their lands who may need it. LGFPD generally has no cost recovery for those services as we are a non-transport agency. LGFPD relies on Ute Pass Regional Health Services’ ambulance and Flight for Life Aeromedical for transport and ALS patient care.

“Thank you in advance for your generous contribution. Your support will help us to be a success, concluded Bernstetter.