Alvarado Wildfire Red, White & Blue Fire District Sends Wildland Crew to Alvarado Wildfire

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - Breckenridge, CO

Three firefighters from Red, White & Blue Fire District were called upon last night to help with a rapidly growing wildland fire just east of Georgetown.

The call came in last night and the crew, driving one of Red, White & Blue’s Type-6 wildland vehicle, headed east. The Type-6 wildland rig is a modified F-550, with approximately 300 gallons of water, a smaller pump and built for maneuverability.

Acting Lieutenant John Bielak, Engine Boss Chris Sutton, and Firefighter Brent Chapman arrived in Georgetown at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, and were immediately put to work.

"We assisted with cutting a fire line," said Engine Boss Sutton. "We basically helped clear out slash so the fire was able to be contained," he said.

The crew was also put on overnight watch, and was the only crew out in the field besides a wildland firefighter placed at a lookout point on one of the adjacent mountains. They patrolled the approximately 10-acre wildfire, making sure the fire didn’t jump the fire line and that houses were not being threatened.

The crew was released this morning and headed back to Breckenridge. "It was a great experience for us," said Acting Lt. John Bielak. "Being able to see first-hand wildfire behavior is invaluable, especially a place with similar topography and vegetation as ours" he added.

The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time. No homes were evacuated and Interstate-70 still remains open.

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Press Contact:
Capt. Kim Scott, PIO
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