Red, White & Blue Deploys Wildland Firefighters

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - Breckenridge, CO

Red, White & Blue Fire District has deployed three wildland firefighters today to assist fighting the fires raging in Northern California, where over 800 fires started last weekend alone from lightning. The call came in this afternoon for a crew to report to Ukiah, California.

"All of our firefighters have been training since February, in preparation for the 2008 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.

Paramedic/Firefighter Steve Webster will lead the three person crew as the engine boss. Driver Chris Sutton and Paramedic/Firefighter Tally McNeil will join him, driving one of Red, White & Blue’s wildland vehicles. The modified F-550 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 invaluable experience and knowledge taught only through fighting wildland fires," said Chief Gary Green. "This, in turn, allows us to have some of the most qualified firefighters at the ready for any local wildland fire," he said.

According to federal mandates, wildland firefighting crews can only work 14 consecutive days, at which time they need 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.

Red, White & Blue will be fully reimbursed by the federal government for all of their expenses.

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

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