KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —
A group of firefighters from Kirtland Air Force Base has deployed to fight the largest wildland fire within the United States.
The mixed Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fire is burning within the Santa Fe National Forest, between Santa Fe, N.M. and Las Vegas, N.M., about one hour drive northeast of the Kirtland AFB. The Hermit’s Peak fire began burning April 6, and the Calf Canyon fire began April 19. The two fires merged April 22. As of 9 a.m. May 12, the mixed fire has burned practically 260,000 acres, greater than 370 sq. miles, and is 29% contained.
On May 11, 4 Kirtland firefighters traveled to an airstrip in Angel Fire, N.M., the place firefighting helicopters and fixed-wing plane had been staged to drop flame retardants. To shield the plane, airfield and surrounding 50,000 acres of wildland, they took an plane rescue firefighting car, an ultra-high-pressure car and a utility car, in addition to tents.
Kirtland AFB Fire Department Battalion Chief Terence Eaton, a 26-year veteran of the division, is main the group whereas they stay in area situations for a two-week rotation. Also deployed are Battalion Chief Jefferson Buller, Lt. Alfonso Rankin, and driver/operator Daniel Sanchez.
“Fighting this fire is a multi-agency effort and part of mutual aid, with us and other departments. It will take years for the environment to recover,” Eaton stated.
The Southwestern United States’ long-term excessive drought, robust winds and excessive temperatures have created perfect situations for wildland fires. More than a dozen fires are at the moment burning within the area. To counter the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fire, greater than 1,800 firefighters and different responders have arrived. The fire has destroyed a whole lot of houses and buildings, and about 12,000 households have been instructed to evacuate for his or her security.