Meeker, CO, Volunteer Firefighters Defend Town Against Massive Wildfire
Meeker volunteer firefighters stood their ground and protected their town against encroaching wildfire that grew into one of the largest in Colorado history.
"I think here it's a pride thing. They look out for their community. We're pretty old school here in Meeker. Everybody helps everybody," Fire Chief Luke Pelloni told 9news.
The cadre of 40 held their stance despite the growing odds. They helped create fire lines around homes and worked with the local Bureau of Land Management to build breaks around the town.
Rio Blanco County Sheriff Anthony Mazzola explained: "I had deputies jumping house to house, telling people to move out. That fire was moving so dang fast. The volunteer fire guys are trying to save every house along the way."
Pelloni said crews' local knowledge and determination were vital to the outcome.
"It's the biggest fire we've ever dealt with. At that time,we didn't have the resources. We didn't have the help that we do now."
The Lee Fire has grown to become the fifth-largest wildfire in Colorado's history, burning more than 120,000 acres as of Wednesday. More than 2.400 firefighters are battling the drought-fuled blazes. Only five homes have been lost and no injuries have been reported.
"I'm very, very proud of my people. Not only the ones that were out on the line busting it everyday, but the people who were here fixing the equipment, the people who were still covering town, the people who were running EMS calls. Everyone stepped up."
In Meeker, it's a family affair -- the chief's wife and son also are firefighters.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.