COLORADO SPRINGS — Fire concerns are currently elevated in Colorado. There are two large wildfires on the Western Slope, while fire danger is high in the rest of the state.
The Forest Service is manning portable tankers bases on the front range. Crews are supporting very large air tankers flying and dropping retardant on the western slope fires. Most air support has regional and national status.
Resources specifically assigned to the southeast region of Colorado remain in the area. "Because of our fire danger and drought conditions here our local resources are staying," said Ralph Bellah with Pike and San Isabel National Forest.
Colorado Springs Fire Department just sent three firefighters and a brush truck to help at the Grizzley Fire near along I-70 near Glenwood Springs. “We’re happy to help all the surrounding agencies," said Firefighter, Paul Guivens. He is on duty at with one of the wildland teams stationed in the city. He says sharing resources helps other agencies and help hone skills with experience beyond simulation training.
Guivens said he and other firefighters on duty here on the front range also have heightened awareness of fire danger when wildfires are burning in other parts of the state. "Be aware of the big picture and even though those fires we're seeing out on I-70 aren't here locally, that doesn't mean that can't happen here."
