In response to the escalating challenges posed by wildland fires, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office has bolstered its firefighting arm with the formation of the Phantom Canyon Crew. This expansion makes significant strides in the county's capacity to tackle the omnipresent threat of wildfires. According to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, the growth of their Emergency Services Initial Attack Module, which saw an addition of 11 full-time staff members for the season, consequently redefined the team to a "crew" with a 20-firefighter formation.
The freshly minted Phantom Canyon Crew, named after a local nature preserve, will continue the sheriff’s office tradition of fire mitigation and firefighting. This title is not only a nod to the rugged landscapes the team protects, but also connects them to the community they serve. The crew's namesake, Phantom Canyon, is formidable indeed: a backcountry preserve that is both replete with natural beauty and home to an array of local fauna, including mountain lions. These elements have left their mark on the crew’s new insignia.
But the work of the Phantom Canyon Crew isn't encapsulated solely by their response to fires. The team's year-round involvement in mitigation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas aims to diminish risks and enhance resilience among Larimer County communities. Their activities, ranging from cutting projects to clearing for better road ingress and egress, are integral to the county's preemptive strategy against natural disasters. Funding for the crew, particularly for the full-time seasonal team members, is procured largely through grants.
Narrowing in on fire mitigation and improved community safety, the expanded wildland fire team in Larimer County embodies a proactive stance against the ever-present threat of wildfires. Whether they are called upon locally or deployed to assist in other jurisdictions, the Phantom Canyon Crew is set to become a pivotal force in the dynamic and demanding sphere of wildland fire management.
