Video Story
Watch VideoVolunteer firefighters worn out
Story By: Susan Davies
Source: KOAA
Thousands of homes and ranches throughout El Paso county are protected by volunteer fire departments. The summer fire season started early this year, and continues to be exremely busy. In Calhan there are 14 volunteer firefighters. During the month of June they've been called to two structure fires and 23 grass fires. Doyle Stroup is Deputy Fire Chief with the Calhan Fire Department and says 12 hours nights fighting fires have not been uncommon. "You have to make sure your wife understands, you're going to have some cold suppers and you'll miss the kids going to bed." Adds Jim Reid - Deputy Fire Marshal for El Paso county, "it is tough on those guys, they do have to make a living and they do respond when they can." Commander Reid says El Paso county depends on volunteer departments to keep fourteen hundred square miles safe. He adds - the county owes a big debt to the employers, families and firefighters themselves. Local volunteers are hoping for some wetter weather, and they wouldn't mind a few more volunteers. There are 60 volunteers scattered around El Paso county. Fire season continues through November.
