Chatridge 2 Hot Spot Fires
Chatridge 2 Hot Spot Fires
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
On the afternoon of July 4th, 2020 South Metro Fire Rescue responded to a small bush on fire in the Chatridge 2 burn scar, while simultaneously investigating several reports of smoke west of Wadsworth between Waterton and Deer Creek Canyons. To assist in the search for hot spots, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Multi Mission Aircraft was requested for a reconnaissance mission. While the hogback area checked clear, abnormally hot areas were observed south of the Back Country. Although the smoldering areas were undetectable by people enjoying the open space and they posed little threat, they still needed to be extinguished. Using a combination of GPS, thermal images from the airplane, a thermal imaging UAV and a handheld thermal imaging camera, firefighters hiked to the trouble spots and extinguished them. Firefighters conducted “cold trailing” by using the skin on the back of their hand to feel through the ash and make sure nothing felt warm before leaving. Additional information was provided by South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue