Wildland Firefighter
 
By Deputy Chief Chris Howell
June 10, 2022
 

Firefighter Nicole Wells returned safe and sound from
her 21 day Deployment to New Mexico. She was there
for Wildland firefighting. She was deployed at the Calf
Canyon Fire and was assigned to an Engine in Group 1
Division Charlie.

The main objective was to create a Contingency line
around the Fire to contain it. Contingenecy Fire Lines
are used to back up a Primary Line, to increase the
probability of Fire Containment as well as Decrease Fire
losses and improve Firefighter Safety.

Their second objective was to assist in Firing Operations,
in which they would back burn from the line toward the
Fire burning off "Green", they did that at night to have more
control over the Fire Behavior and Conditions. Burning at
night is Idea for this because of higher relative humidity
and lower temperatures.

While doing this they also had to maintain Structure protection
for the small villages of the Upper and Lower Colonias as well
as the nearby towns of Peccos, Cowles and Terrero.

They were assigned to check on homes and make sure they had
a Full "Pumpkin" Water Tanks with Mark 3 pumps and Hose Lays
around the Villages at ALL Times.

There was also Miscellaneous "Grunt" work tasks, digging lines, mop
up of fires and patroling areas.