Three fire departments in the Jefferson County foothills are joining forces to create a new, unified agency aimed at improving response times and efficiency in a region known for its challenging terrain. North Fork, Elk Creek and Inter-Canyon fire protection districts have received approval to merge by the end of the year, forming a new Conifer Fire Department. North Fork Chief Curt Rogers, who will lead the new organization, says the merger will allow the combined department to save money, hire more full-time firefighters and reduce their reliance on volunteers. The result will be quicker response times for emergencies in the mountainous region. Read the full story: https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/conifer-fire-department-merger-jefferson-county/73-b2db7e8c-59b6-4836-bfda-150d392bcbbe More local videos here: https://youtube.com/@9news Subscribe to NEXT: https://youtube.com/@Nexton9NEWS Stay connected: 9NEWS Website: https://www.9news.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NEWS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9newsdenver/ Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/ Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email 9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.