Pueblo, CO — The Pueblo Fire Department is set to receive $10,000 in state funding to help combat fire hazards and improve fire mitigation efforts in the area. The money will be allocated toward hiring inmate crews from the Department of Corrections to clear potential fire risks along the Arkansas River.
According to Deputy Chief Keith Novak, the funding will greatly assist firefighters by not only cleaning up underbrush and other fire hazards, but also ensuring better access to areas in the event of a wildfire. “It makes our jobs a lot easier because we are able to access the fire,” Novak explained. “Not only does it clean the area and prevent the spread of fire, but it also provides crucial access when a fire breaks out.”
Since receiving similar grant money from the state in 2022, the Pueblo Fire Department has successfully cleared approximately 70 acres of land throughout the city. The department hopes this new funding will continue to make strides in enhancing fire safety and preparedness for the community.
The ongoing mitigation efforts are an essential part of Pueblo’s strategy to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety of both residents and firefighters.
