It's been a heated and persistent battle against nature's wrath in Colorado this summer, with wildfires on the West Slope burning fiercely due to dry conditions. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers stepped up to provide essential support to local responders and firefighters, a collective effort to shield communities and blunt the harsh effects of the Elk and Lee Fires. These blazes, which were ignited by lightning on Aug. 2, sparked a state disaster emergency declared by Governor Polis.
With the disaster emergency in place, coordination efforts were bolstered through the activation of the State Emergency Operations and Resource Mobilization Plans. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) took the lead under the Disaster Emergency Response Act, managing state responses from the State Emergency Operations Center, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports. In the thick of it, CPW officers didn't just work with the Fire Incident Management Team to cover roadblock duties or augment the 24-hour patrols by the Rio Blanco Sheriff's Office; they also engaged directly in general emergency 911 response across the county, representing over 2,400 hours of support.
Notably, many CPW personnel have weathered personal tribulations as their own family homes lay in the mandatory evacuation zones. Despite these burdens, these officers maintained their commitment, emphasizing the dual nature of their roles in protecting both natural treasures and community welfare. "A lot has happened this summer in CPW’s Emergency Management world, and we want to recognize our own and other first responders for their dedication to protect our local communities, landscapes and wildlife resources,” Emergency Management Coordinator Brent Lounsbury conveyed, as obtained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
