Recall the news and discussions three years ago about the state purchasing several aircraft for aerial firefighting purposes?
As a retired professional firefighter, I questioned that strategy. From a fiscal standpoint and a firefighting tactics perspective, I was not in support of it.
It was explained to me last year that the current strategy for fighting wildland fires here in Southwest Colorado would be to order the aircraft early into the incident in an attempt to gain quick control. I still wasn’t convinced. Boots on the ground have worked well ever since I was a rookie.
I’m glad to say that I was wrong. Recently, I had the opportunity to watch and listen to radio traffic during the Cherry Creek Fire from the comfort of my home, sitting in my armchair. So that qualifies me as an “armchair quarterback” today on the Cherry Creek Fire. This is what I saw and heard:
From the start, I saw the fire growing and I heard Chief Chris Anderson (Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District) in command on the radio. I heard the calm voice of an experienced incident commander directing incoming units to the scene. I heard the interagency communications that set up the early call for available aerial firefighting resources. While those aircraft were en route, I watched the fire continue to grow and move toward our subdivision.
Within a very short period of time, there were five aircraft on the scene, including three air tankers. Within minutes of their arrival, Air Attack had them lined up for their first runs. It was impressive to watch from a short distance away. Then they were off to the Durango airport to fill their bellies and quickly back on scene.
Again, on command, they lined up, came in and dropped their loads. Those drops stopped the forward progress of the fire. It worked. Impressive.
I saw and heard excellent interagency coordination and communications, good firefighting strategy and tactics and an outstanding use of available resources. I’ve seen first-hand the value to the citizens of La Plata County. I’ve seen a strategy that works.
Tim Gallagher
Hesperus
