The decision to cancel the fireworks at Hudson Gardens and Cornerstone Park was more than just a way to reduce the chance of fires breaking out in the city on the Fourth of July; it was also to ensure Littleton firefighters could continue to help their neighbors.
“They would normally be involved in planning for the five public fireworks displays that were anticipated to have taken place next week in the LFR service area,” city spokeswoman Kelli Narde said in a press release. “Since the prohibition on fireworks displays was announced June 28 by the Arapahoe County Sheriff, the LFR Wildland Fire Team will be able to continue to assist in fighting fires throughout Colorado.”
Littleton’s Wildland Fire Team is led by Capt. Brian Delasantos and consists of 34 members who are specially trained in wildfire tactics, strategies and safety.
On June 11, four staff arrived at the High Park Fire in Larimer County. Three operated a State Forest Service brush truck and a fourth served as a helicopter crew member. They returned for rest and recovery June 27 after working 14 consecutive days, but they might be deployed again.
On June 26, seven LFR firefighters responded to the Flagstaff fire near Boulder with one brush truck one engine. They protected structures ahead of the fire. Four of them returned June 27 and might respond elsewhere.
On June 27, an additional engine and crew of three responded to the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs. They are performing structure protection and remain deployed.
One firefighter, as part of the 20-person Mid Plains Hand Crew, returned from a two-week deployment to New Mexico. After rest and recovery, he has been sent to the Treasure Fire near Leadville.
These deployments do not affect response or reduce staffing, according to the press release. The majority of overtime and costs associated with fighting fires outside of LFR’s jurisdiction is reimbursed by the state or federal government.
To help the victims of these fires, contact the American Red Cross at redcross.org/donation, or the Salvation Army at imsalvationarmy.org or 1-800-SalArmy.
