Red, White & Blue Deploys Wildland Firefighters

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 - Breckenridge, CO

Red, White & Blue Fire District deployed three wildland firefighters early this morning to assist fighting the fires raging in Arizona, where over 400,000 acres of federal land are burning in five separate fires. The call came last night for a crew to report to Phoenix, AZ, to coordinate with federal resources.

“All of our firefighters have been training since February, in preparation for the 2011 wildland firefighting season,” said Matt Benedict, wildland coordinator for Red, White & Blue. “Beginning in April, our personnel and equipment are ready to leave at a moment’s notice,” he said.

Captain Chris Sutton will lead the three person crew as the engine boss; driver John Bielak and Paramedic/Firefighter Jeff Nordeen will join him. They are driving one of Red, White & Blue’s wildland vehicles, a modified F-550, which carries approximately 300 gallons of water, has a smaller pump than a typical fire engine and is used for quick maneuvering and response.

“Our firefighters continue to gain valuable experience and knowledge learned only through fighting wildland fires,” said Chief Lori Miller. “This, in turn, allows us to have some of the most qualified firefighters at the ready for any local wildland fire,” she said.

According to federal mandates, wildland firefighting crews can work 14 consecutive days, at which time they are required to have two days, or 48 hours, rest. If requested, Red, White & Blue will rotate crews in 14 days, thus allowing other firefighters in the department to gain experience. Should local conditions and fire danger levels dictate, Red, White & Blue’s resources will return to Breckenridge.

The federal government will reimburse Red, White & Blue for all expenses incurred while deployed on this fire.

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Press Contact:
Battalion Chief Kim Scott, PIO
cell: 970.485.4374
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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