COLORADO — The four major wildfires burning in Colorado are a long way from the southeast region of the state, yet there is a lot help from the area heading to help fight the fires. "During times like this where there's several major fires going on in the state, they're in dire need of resources and if we have them available, that's when we'll get that call,” said Captain Wood Percival with Pueblo Fire Department.
Pueblo Fire Department teamed with Pueblo West Fire Department to send four firefighters and a brush truck to help at the Cameron Peak Fire. Colorado Springs Fire Department, Manitou Springs Fire Department, Cimarron Hills Fire Department, Security Fire, Canon City Fire Department, as well as fire crews from El Paso County, Huerfano County and Las Animas County all have sent help.
Wildfire certified firefighters make a big commitment to go. "Generally they'll be up there for 14 days, they live in a fire base camp, the work extremely long hours and pretty much everyday of the week to help get that under control,” said Percival.
Extra help is needed because of the size and number of fires. COVID is also a factor limiting available boots on the ground. It is preventing help from crews like ones typically available from the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Shared resources are not free resources. The federal government pays the bill for the added help.
