Parker, CO Brush Fire 2/27/16

[Guest]

On Saturday afternoon South Metro and Franktown Firefighters responded to a vegetation fire near Highway 83 & Stroh Road.  A column of smoke was visible from an area of open space that proved difficult to access.  The fire was slowly spreading through a mix of duff, brush and timber.  The first crews advanced a progressive hose lay while Type IV Engines made 4x4 access.  

   

[Guest]

Using some Class A to mop up

   

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Several hollowed out trees were burning and had to be cut down.  Sawyers from SMFR's wildland team had lots of chainsaw work to do.

   

[Guest]

   

[Guest]

A Sawyer evaluates one of the trees

   

[Guest]

Doing some line work on the south flank with SMFR Brush 42 in the background. 

   

[Guest]

Franktown Brush 181 and South Metro Brush 43 on the south flank

   

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A Firefighter from Engine 46 takes a breather

   

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Battalion Chief 41 in Command

   

[Guest]

No structures were threatened but there is big money in the area.  SMFR Brush 47 & Water Tender 41 staged just in case.

   

[Guest]

Close to 1,000 feet of forestry hose was used.

   

[Guest]

Last one... South Metro Engine 46 fell victim to some loose soil and had to be pulled out. 

   

[CCFR-45]

Nice shots!

 

Thanks for sharing 

[Guest]

OK, I give up.

What is "duff"?

What is a Type IV engine?

[Guest]

OK, I give up.

What is "duff"?

What is a Type IV engine?

Duff is a term used to describe the layer of dead pine needles, leaves and small tree branches covering the dirt.  It can be a real pain in the neck to fully extinguish and sometimes smolders for a long time.

 

On wildland fires we refer to the National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWGC) engine types... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildland_fire_engine  Most of the Colorado Front Range Type VI engines are built on 4x4 heavy duty pick up chassis with 300 gallon water tanks and meet or exceed the NWCG specs.