Jefferson County Horse Evacuation Assistance Team (Jeffco HEAT) is a large animal rescue team that has provided life-saving services throughout the front range since 2002. The group informally organized during the devastating High Meadow Fire in 2000. It is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization that has directly assisted a total of 2,500 animals during its more than ten-ye
ar history. HEAT provides services throughout Jefferson County. We operate under the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Animal Control Division, and work cooperatively with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado State Forest Service, and other counties and government agencies by request, such as Clear Creek, Elbert, El Paso, Gilpin, and Park counties. Jeffco HEAT volunteers train with the Jefferson County Incident Management Team, the Colorado State Animal Response Team (COSART) Field Operations Team, local fire departments, and other animal teams in the region. We are trained in basic wildland fire response, incident command, first aid/CPR, and radio communications. Some members have specialized and advanced training in animal rescue and other emergency response skills. Jeffco HEAT is equipped with a rescue trailer, provided on loan by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, containing essential life-saving equipment needed for rescues, such as an Anderson Sling, a rescue glide, a generator, and rescue ropes.
