South Dakota firefighters deployed to fight out-of-state wildfires

Volunteer firefighters tasked with monitoring high-risk areas for potential outbreaks

Firefighters on a wildland fire deployment to southern Colorado. (Fort Pierre Fire Department)

Four members of South Dakota volunteer fire departments have been called to southern Colorado to help fight wildfires during the peak of the season. 

And it’s not just personnel from South Dakota heading west.

The Fort Pierre Fire Department sent a small engine, along with two firefighters to Towaoc, Colorado — the capital city of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe.

Fire departments that send vehicles in what are usually two to three week deployments are reimbursed for the cost of travel and west and tear on the vehicle — and firefighters on the trip are also paid individually.

“Every year, we try to get out on a wildland assignment,” said Fort Pierre assistant fire chief Tye Odden, who organized the deployment. “Getting Fort Pierre Fire Department’s engine out helps the department earn money for things to help keep us running.” 

Odden is joined by fellow Fort Pierre firefighter Kolton Aumiller, as well as a firefighters from Claremont and Lyons.

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