Fire and Rescue at the Big Chili Cook Off

The volunteer fire and rescue teams of the mountain communities usually come together in emergency and life threatening situations. The Big Chili Cook Off not only raises funds to support the firefighters, it gives them an opportunity to come together for light hearted competition and fun.
These special men and women deal with many obstacles while trying to save homes and lives. Mountain homes are often isolated, making them difficult to find. There are near impossible roads and driveways. And the winter storms and road conditions make driving a feat of courage. Over the last decades we have had major wildfires in our mountains and these are the people who gave endless hours, risking their lives. As a community we value and appreciate our firefighters. As individuals we depend upon them to be there in our darkest hours. They keep us safe and they make "some damn good chili."