Cripple Creek Administratively Defined as Department of Colorado

Cripple Creek has been administratively defined as a department within the state of Colorado. This change was reported on September 24, 2026. The Cripple Creek Fire Department, which operates in the area, relies on the city government of Cripple Creek for funding and does not have a dedicated fire tax base.

The Cripple Creek Fire Department received a $2,500 grant through the Black Hills Corporation Foundation's 2026 Funds for Firefighters program. This funding assists local fire departments facing tight budgets and rising equipment costs due to industry-wide price escalations.