Fairmount Wildland Division
The Wildland Division has been at the forefront of response and training on the local, state and national levels since its inception in 2003. During that time, the Wildland Division has grown. Today the Wildland Division consists of a Wildland Coordinator, an Operations Supervisor, two Operations Specialists and three engines.
Our Mission: To provide the maximum level of service and expertise to the citizens of the Fairmount Fire Protection District, and the local, state, and national interagency community by maintaining a sustainable comprehensive wildland fire management program based on safety, integrity, and professionalism.
We fill several roles on wildland fire incidents including: Command and General Staff positions, Single Resources, engine assignments, and hand crew assignments. We are available to respond across the nation and have worked in several states including California, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
The Wildland Division is also an active player in the interagency prescribed fire arena. Prescribed fire is an essential training tool for the department as it provides firefighters first-hand experience in incident command, suppression, and ignition tactics in a controlled environment. Prescribed fire allows members to practice their leadership skills, observe fire behavior, and build relationships with other agencies. In 2008 alone, Fairmount members participated in burning over 15,000 acres in seven states.
Fairmount members also have the opportunity work on different crews allowing them to expand their knowledge and build relationships with people from other parts of the nation. Members have participated in the following organizations: Mid-Plains Interagency Hand Crew, San Juan Hotshots, Colorado State Forest Service Engine Crew, Southern Rockies Fire Use Module and the Prescribed Fire Training Center Module.
The Wildland Division is also available to assist in all-risk response throughout the nation. We have responded to incidents such as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Greensburg Tornado, and the SE Colorado Blizzard.
The Wildland Division is also one of the host agencies for the Colorado Wildland Fire and Incident Management Academy. Members participate in Incident Command, Teaching, Logistical support, and as students at both the winter and summer academies each year. Participating in these academies offers members a unique opportunity to learn and build life long relationships with people from all over world.
We have five primary pieces of equipment in the Wildland Division including three Type-6 Engines, one Type-3 Engine, and one Type-2 Tender. Members learn how to drive and operate each piece of equipment in a wildland fire situation.