Colorado Springs Fire Department Reinstates Fire Training Academy

The academy was previously cancelled due to budget restrictions but is now being brought back thanks to tax revenue from recreational marijuana.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) has announced that the 2026 Fire Training Academy will be reinstated after being cancelled due to budget restrictions. CSFD says the academy can now be fully operational thanks to tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales.

Why it matters

The reinstatement of the Fire Training Academy is crucial for maintaining the strength and readiness of the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Without the academy, the department would have been well below its authorized staffing levels, potentially impacting emergency response times and the community's overall fire safety.

The details

The 2026 Fire Training Academy will welcome 36 recruits from across the world. They will undergo an 18-week training program covering structural firefighting, wildland fire operations, hazardous materials response, emergency medical technician refresher, driver/operator-pumper certification, and other specialized skills essential for firefighter readiness.

  • The academy officially began on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD)

The fire department responsible for providing fire and emergency services to the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Mayor Yemi

The current mayor of Colorado Springs, who allocated funds to reinstate the Fire Training Academy.

Colorado Springs City Council

The legislative body of the city of Colorado Springs, which worked with the mayor to allocate funds for the Fire Training Academy.

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What they’re saying

“Without this academy, we would have been well below our authorized staffing levels.”

— CSFD Fire Chief (KOAA.com)

“I am grateful to Mayor Yemi and City Council for allocating these funds to ensure we can maintain the strength and readiness of our department. As your Fire Chief, I am committed to keeping our response times and staffing numbers where they need to be to serve our community with excellence.”

— CSFD Fire Chief (KOAA.com)

What’s next

The 36 recruits will now undergo the 18-week training program to become fully certified firefighters for the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

The takeaway

The reinstatement of the Colorado Springs Fire Department's Fire Training Academy, made possible by tax revenue from recreational marijuana, ensures the city will maintain adequate staffing and emergency response capabilities to protect the community.