PUEBLO, CO — In a critical step to ensure the safety of local firefighters, the Pueblo Fire Department will soon be receiving additional fire shelters, which are designed to offer protection in life-threatening wildfire scenarios. The shelters, made from aluminum foil, silica cloth, and fiberglass, are lightweight, portable, and can reflect heat away from firefighters, providing them with a last-resort option when trapped in dangerous conditions.
The department secured $11,000 in funding from the El Pomar Foundation, which will be used to purchase the shelters. This new equipment aims to provide additional safety measures for the fire crews who are often at risk during wildfires, especially in fast-changing circumstances.
Fire Chief Barb Huber spoke about the unpredictable nature of wildfires, particularly how quickly wind shifts can alter the course of a fire. “It absolutely gives the firefighters the tools in case the situation shifts,” Huber explained. “The wind shifts a lot of the times, and this will give them a tool in case they are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Fire shelters are a vital resource for firefighters working in hazardous conditions, offering protection from extreme heat when escape is no longer an option. The lightweight nature of the shelters allows crews to carry them easily, and they are designed to be deployed quickly in case of emergency.
With the donation from the El Pomar Foundation, Pueblo firefighters will be better equipped to handle unpredictable wildfire situations, enhancing both their safety and their ability to respond to emergencies effectively.
