View Full Version : Fire Volunteering Opportunities
So, as the days go on this summer it seems that the list will soon be changed to list what areas of this state are NOT on fire, as it will be shorter.
I'm not in any danger from any of these fires, but I can't help but think of all of the fellow Coloradans who are affected by these fires in one way or another.
Does anyone here have any idea where to find places that need volunteers to help those that are fighting the fires, or are displaced by them? My wife and I are looking for volunteer opportunities where help is needed. We don't have a ton of spare cash or time right now, but we would like to give a little of each.
Perhaps we can get a list going in case anyone else is interested in getting involved.
Chad4000
06-26-2012, 15:55
Great idea!
I am def interested....
The Heretic
06-26-2012, 17:03
Great thread! I was wondering the same thing!
The work can start right here on this board. Thankfully no one here has lost their home, but a crew to help if someone has to evacuate.
Is there anyone who would be willing to organize regional mutual aid groups. Within those groups we could have phone trees to help make short notice communication work more efficiently.
If group captains needed additional resources from outside their region they could post them up in a thread and other regions could respond.
Just a thought.
Be safe.
So far I have found a bunch of pages to donate to the red-cross as they are helping with the relief efforts for those relocated during the fires. Not my first choice, as you can't specify where the funds are to go, they just go into the general red-cross relief fund.
Its a good place to donate, and im sure SOME of the funds will go to the fire refugees, but I'd rather do something more direct, and something with a volunteering aspect as well.
Chad4000
06-26-2012, 17:14
The work can start right here on this board. Thankfully no one here has lost their home, but a crew to help if someone has to evacuate.
exactly.. I have a truck, or two for that matter. I could probably get some more guys etc.
Is there anyone who would be willing to organize regional mutual aid groups. Within those groups we could have phone trees to help make short notice communication work more efficiently.
If group captains needed additional resources from outside their region they could post them up in a thread and other regions could respond.
Just a thought.
Be safe.
Elaborate on how and what these mutual aid groups may or may not do, please. Sounds interesting.
Birddog1911
06-26-2012, 17:15
I started a thread on Saturday, and have had a couple of responses, regarding those who are willing and able to help with evacuation of guns and animals in particular. As a re-iteration, I've got a good 4x4 that can haul a trailer, several small animal crates, a couple of giant sized crates, and 3 fenced acres to help with.
Maybe this should be the offical thread for it; good idea.
Tinelement
06-26-2012, 17:16
Saw on the news the other night, where some people were in the side of the road where the firefighters coming and leaving the High Park fire, had cases of water and handing out. Might be a good place to help. Little time and you get a bunch bottled water at Costco/Sams for not much $!!
Birddog1911
06-26-2012, 17:17
Another thought; I'm at work, but perhaps someone can get hold of specific gun shops in these areas, and see if they'd be willing to allow evacuees to store firearms in their safes; folks might be more comfortable with that than at a site members house.
Elaborate on how and what these mutual aid groups may or may not do, please. Sounds interesting.
If someone needs to evacuate, the last thing they will be doing is posting on the board. If someone in Trinidad needs help getting ready or dropping trees, etc... the most logical place for that help to come from first would be SoCo. If SoCo had a two or three group captains in different parts of SoCo, one would be able to take a call from a group member and then relay that via text or phone call to local members. If not enough help was received or the need exceeded the ability of the group, then the group captains could post the need on a forum for specific assistance or go straight to a specific member from another region for specific assistance. All of this could be going on while the member in need was dealing with the thousands of little things that go into an evac or prepping for a fire.
No requirements, only an in place alternative communications method where people could provide specific skills, equipment, and contact numbers without posting them on the board for all to see.
Birddog1911
06-26-2012, 17:26
I could see that if someone is notified to be prepared to evacuate, they could get in contact with members in their same town or city, give them a call, and those volunteers could help in whatever way they can.
Great-Kazoo
06-26-2012, 17:27
Another thought; I'm at work, but perhaps someone can get hold of specific gun shops in these areas, and see if they'd be willing to allow evacuees to store firearms in their safes; folks might be more comfortable with that than at a site members house.
This will require a 4473 to retake ownership.
Birddog1911
06-26-2012, 17:27
Damn, well it was just a thought; thanks for clarifying that, Jim.
If someone needs to evacuate, the last thing they will be doing is posting on the board. If someone in Trinidad needs help getting ready or dropping trees, etc... the most logical place for that help to come from first would be SoCo. If SoCo had a two or three group captains in different parts of SoCo, one would be able to take a call from a group member and then relay that via text or phone call to local members. If not enough help was received or the need exceeded the ability of the group, then the group captains could post the need on a forum for specific assistance or go straight to a specific member from another region for specific assistance. All of this could be going on while the member in need was dealing with the thousands of little things that go into an evac or prepping for a fire.
No requirements, only an in place alternative communications method where people could provide specific skills, equipment, and contact numbers without posting them on the board for all to see.
I see, makes sense. So its a calling tree type setup to help other members evacuate if necessary. Good idea.
I was thinking you were talking about general help to all involved.
HoneyBadger
06-26-2012, 17:43
I could see that if someone is notified to be prepared to evacuate, they could get in contact with members in their same town or city, give them a call, and those volunteers could help in whatever way they can.
This is an intriguing idea and I would certainly be willing to help as my work schedule allows. I have a truck and slightly beefy arms[Weight]
Great-Kazoo
06-26-2012, 18:32
I see, makes sense. So its a calling tree type setup to help other members evacuate if necessary. Good idea.
I was thinking you were talking about general help to all involved.
We have a calling tree in this area, and a somewhat central meeting place if needed.
A fire should not be the only reason to assist others. Having like minded neighbors in case of tornado, power outage, etc helps. It's also nice when a neighbor calls you and ask " Have you seen that red chevy in the alley"?
We noticed them last week driving slow in the neighborhood, thanks, get a plate number?
Or X is going to be out of town can you keep an eye on their house.
and so on.
For those that live in this area, after the tornado I and others open carried without LE OR NG interference.
The Red Cross, local Church and other groups always assistance in times like these.
El Caballo Loco
06-26-2012, 18:40
CAPS Colorado Springs
Red Cross
Helpcoloradonow.org
United Way
cmailliard
06-26-2012, 19:19
The idea of evacuations is one of the best. Adams County has a 4x4 response we team to help get people out of areas and response officials in to work during snow storms and severe weather events.
As far as phone trees there are some nice technology solutions to help with this.
Thinking beyond the current situation there are needs for crews to help clear roads after tornados (chainsaw crews), snow storms support, mitigation and preparedness efforts can be put in place (this would be huge), and more.
If you want to have some real opportunities to help and be taken seriously by officials there needs to be true organization and training done.
I think there is hard core group of people on here that really want to do some good. But as I said above being an organized group, not just a bunch of individuals will go far. Spontaneous Unaffilated Volunteers tend to be a large management problem for incident managers. In Houston after Katrina there was 25,000 evacuees and over 85,000 volunteers, which do you think became a bigger management problem?
I would be willing to help with organization efforts.
I agree that this type of organization would be useful for more than just the current fires. Like Jim was describing, if you already live in a community with similarly minded people this would not be as much of an issue. Here in the burbs, most of my neighbors are nice but not necessarily similarly minded. I can think of a few neighbors who would birth calves if they thought there was an evil black rifle within a five mile radius of their home.
Chris, that is a generous offer to assist in the organization. What steps would you suggest we take first?
I can think of a few neighbors who would birth calves if they thought there was an evil black rifle within a five mile radius of their home.
Hate to go off topic for a minute...
Had a neighbor from up the street I had never met come by with a flat tire wheel barrow. We were building 2 ARs in the garage when he came up to ask to borrow a tire pump. He asked if we were making paintball guns. I responded: Nope! These are a bit more real than that. Here is my Tire pump. Hope it helps.
Didn't seem too freaked out, which was nice.
Hate to go off topic for a minute...
Had a neighbor from up the street I had never met come by with a flat tire wheel barrow. We were building 2 ARs in the garage when he came up to ask to borrow a tire pump. He asked if we were making paintball guns. I responded: Nope! These are a bit more real than that. Here is my Tire pump. Hope it helps.
Didn't seem too freaked out, which was nice.
Well, at least your neighbor didn't call the police. [Beer] Did he bring your tire pump back [Coffee]
Back to the volunteer network. I would think this would be an alternative community for those of us who tend to spend way too much time on this board. For some of us, this is our local community.
I am in Thornton near 136th and I-25. We have space and can take in people for short term until they can get back home or make other arrangements. If you need a meal or just a safe place to store some items. We will take photos and make up receipts to make certain if you leave it here for safe keeping, it will be here, all safe and sound when you come back for it.
If there is something specific someone needs and they aren't comfortable posting it on the board, PM me. I will call you or email you or if necessary will come and meet you. Whatever needs to be done, we will find a way to get it done.
Be safe.
gnihcraes
06-26-2012, 21:25
Salvation Army usually has a food truck at the fire site feeding firefighters. Check with them about hauling some food up for the cook or volunteering in some form related.
Great-Kazoo
06-26-2012, 21:28
I agree that this type of organization would be useful for more than just the current fires. Like Jim was describing, if you already live in a community with similarly minded people this would not be as much of an issue. Here in the burbs, most of my neighbors are nice but not necessarily similarly minded. I can think of a few neighbors who would birth calves if they thought there was an evil black rifle within a five mile radius of their home.
Chris, that is a generous offer to assist in the organization. What steps would you suggest we take first?
What ever info you get LMK. I still have my hazwopper Level II (emergency responder) books if someone would like to browse through it.
cmailliard
06-26-2012, 21:30
First come up with some possible mission profiles - what types of support would be undertaken and available. Then develop the primary function of the group, right away I would think Logistics - become gophers, provide support with weath of knowledge and equipment I would guess members here could get their hands on - generators, vehicles, off road vehicles (Gators, etc.), etc.
This support can be to responders and/or those affected by the situation.
After some mission profiles are on the table lets see what kind of assets are available from the group to support those missions. This can be semi permanent thing such as I have an F-250 that can pull a trailer, as well as a query via email, text, etc for an immediate need that was not previously identified. This is almost sounding like a disaster Craigslist - which may be something in and of itself.
Next, identify any organizations that can be partnered with, for example - animal rescue teams that may need vehicles and man power or medical teams that need infrastructure i.e. shelter, generators, vehicles to move people around, etc.
Once there are some ideas out there, let's get together and fine tune the ideas into a working project and see what it turns into.
Ideas? Throw'em out there
gnihcraes
06-26-2012, 21:56
Amateur Radio is usally with Salvation Army too, they can always use help running messages or food to certain locations.
Great-Kazoo
06-26-2012, 22:32
A basic idea of how involved you are wanting to go would be the first thing to be determined. All out or hold on until the cavalry arrives.
Designated Incident Commander who would take charge.
The phone tree idea works, unless as with tonight's CS fire, cell tower down, causes service issues.
Logistics.
Who is handling communication with other EMS units, who directs traffic, trauma area, decon if necessary.
Food and liquids for consumption, separate area for restrooms, disposal of waste from area, trash containment, etc. Sanitary conditions for minor surgical procedures.
I have extensive hands on with decon's, DI water systems, sterilization techniques, cross contamination .
Tool accessibility
Chain saws, air compressors, generators, fire suppression and containment equipment, transportation, emergency lighting.
Security
Level headed folks to watch a secured area. Hand held radios so you know what the other hand is doing.
Clearly defined Identification, to determine who is who they say they are.
im of the opinion that at this point in the game the best thing we can do is support the fire fighters with food and water. the idea of handing out free water isn't a bad idea. it gets hot as balls near those fires and depending on how long they stay out there getting nice cold water might be difficult.
I want to know about some way to help for people like me who don't have a truck, don't have room for people, don't have much time off work, etc.
i just started working at a pharmacy i will see if they can donate supplies at all like food and water.
I want to know about some way to help for people like me who don't have a truck, don't have room for people, don't have much time off work, etc.
you and i are in a similar boat. im asking my manager to let me know if anything comes across his desk about needs that we could ban together and help with. i think folks like you and i would be best used by supplying necessities and others can deliver or hand out
islandermyk
06-26-2012, 23:41
Not trying to take a macho approach on this... and please excuse my ignorance on this matter as well. I would really like to lend a hand and help stop these fires....
.. but is there a place for a volunteer to do some physical labor (miles away from the fire of course) like dig up ditches with shovel and picks, cut trees and shrubs, etc.... supervised by qualified people of course?
im of the opinion that at this point in the game the best thing we can do is support the fire fighters with food and water. the idea of handing out free water isn't a bad idea. it gets hot as balls near those fires and depending on how long they stay out there getting nice cold water might be difficult.
I agree that we are behind the curve with respect to being organized to do much in the way of the fire in the Springs right now. Many, if not all of us would do whatever we could if we only knew what was needed.
I was thinking more in the way of organizing regional groups of members who would exchange contact information and inventory skills and equipment for any future needs.
Where individual groups take their interaction and preparations would be up to the members of that group. Ideas for regions would be:
NoCo
North Metro Denver
South Metro Denver
Castle Rock
Colorado Springs
Pueblo
Trinidad
Central Mountains
Western Slope
Participation could be as simple as exchanging contact information or as organized as regular meet and greets, training in different topics, cookouts, shooting, etc...
Would the powers that be support this type of regional organizing within a dedicated forum? If so, does anyone have additional suggestions or regions to add?
Once organized, we might be a bit more effective at supporting one another when the need arises. I'm just throwing ideas out there. Tell me it's a dumb idea and you won't hurt my feelings.
Well, I think those areas are a good break up as we know we've got guys in all of those areas.
It's not much help, but if anyone here needs to evac because of the fires and needs a place to put up their dog(s) or cat(s), I'll offer my home. I have a yard, three other dogs, and your pet will be cared for and safe until you can come get them.
No $$ will be accepted, but if you want to throw in a bag of dog food, that would be great.
Scanker19
06-27-2012, 08:11
http://careandshare.org/
Needs volunteers to help hand out and accept donations. They also need donations of food, water, and personal care items.
If anyone wants to get their hands dirty, I can ask my friends who are officers with our local volunteer FD and find out about what it takes to get on a handcrew. It might be a little late now, but I think it's a 2-hr class and then you get your cert, but I'm not 100% on that. I'll send out an RFI and see what we can see if anyone is interested, but it might not be very flexible hours- I know I can't swing it with work, but I'm sure they'll take all the help they can get.
If anyone needs aid I have access to a 1500 Dodge Ram P/U... [Beer]
BPTactical
06-27-2012, 10:18
No way any entity is going to allow non certified "volunteers" any where near a working fire. I have checked into it for my son and there are classes, physical requirements that are pretty stout.
Contributions through Red Cross and such are going to be the most effective.
With the amount of intentionally set fires we need to start "The Colorado Forestry Guard"
No way any entity is going to allow non certified "volunteers" any where near a working fire. I have checked into it for my son and there are classes, physical requirements that are pretty stout.
Contributions through Red Cross and such are going to be the most effective.
With the amount of intentionally set fires we need to start "The Colorado Forestry Guard"
That's why I was stating if anyone is interested I can get info on getting certified. I have some friends that are part of the Clear Creek County Emergency Management team as CO FS Certified handcrew members- one was a supervisor at the Snaking Fire back in I think it was '04...
Sharpienads
06-27-2012, 10:45
If anyone needs aid I have access to a 1500 Dodge Ram P/U... [Beer]
How is somebody with a real truck having to tow a POS truck going to help anybody?
[Tooth]
cmailliard
06-27-2012, 10:46
If you are looking to get into wildland firefighting or as others call it high speed gardening you should start by volunteering at your local FD. When a fire starts the locals are the first to start fighting the fire. If the fire grows and becomes a federal fire - federal funds and federal management you must have your Red Card certification. The basic course is S130/S190. If you do not have your Red Card you do not get to fight the fire, even if it is in your district. Most fire departments along the Front Range and in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas make sure the majority of their firefighters are Red Card certified.
More Info (http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/firefighter.html)
islandermyk
06-27-2012, 11:46
If you are looking to get into wildland firefighting or as others call it high speed gardening you should start by volunteering at your local FD. When a fire starts the locals are the first to start fighting the fire. If the fire grows and becomes a federal fire - federal funds and federal management you must have your Red Card certification. The basic course is S130/S190. If you do not have your Red Card you do not get to fight the fire, even if it is in your district. Most fire departments along the Front Range and in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas make sure the majority of their firefighters are Red Card certified.
More Info (http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/firefighter.html)
Thanks for the great info [Beer]
If you are looking to get into wildland firefighting or as others call it high speed gardening you should start by volunteering at your local FD. When a fire starts the locals are the first to start fighting the fire. If the fire grows and becomes a federal fire - federal funds and federal management you must have your Red Card certification. The basic course is S130/S190. If you do not have your Red Card you do not get to fight the fire, even if it is in your district. Most fire departments along the Front Range and in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas make sure the majority of their firefighters are Red Card certified.
More Info (http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/firefighter.html)
Great information. Thanks Chris. Just out of curiosity, what is a Type 6 rig vs a Type 2? I have been listening to the firefighters on the scanner and they are much harder for me to understand than listening to cops.
BPTactical
06-27-2012, 12:11
I can't even imagine the logistical nightmare this must be.
DD977GM2
06-27-2012, 12:18
Red Cross is where Id start and this is posted before reading all the other posts!!!
Also call the local Fire Department and see what you can do.
cmailliard
06-27-2012, 12:46
Great information. Thanks Chris. Just out of curiosity, what is a Type 6 rig vs a Type 2? I have been listening to the firefighters on the scanner and they are much harder for me to understand than listening to cops.
Typing has to do with the capabilities of a given resource. A Type I resource is the greatest capability - Type I Incident Management Team. A Type VI Engine is your typical Brush Truck - F450 with a skid unit on the back. A Type I Engine is a normal city fire engine, typically.
HERE (http://ross.nwcg.gov/documentslibrary/support_docs/ROSS_NWCG_Water_Tender_Reclassification_2008_0416. pdf) is one source I found dealing with Engines
HERE (http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/fire_haz_mat.pdf) is the FEMA Resource Guide for Fire & Haz-Mat
HERE (http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/incident_mgmt.pdf) is the FEMA Resource Guide for Incident Management Teams
Typing has to do with the capabilities of a given resource. A Type I resource is the greatest capability - Type I Incident Management Team. A Type VI Engine is your typical Brush Truck - F450 with a skid unit on the back. A Type I Engine is a normal city fire engine, typically.
Thank you. [Beer]
cmailliard
06-27-2012, 13:01
Everything that anything to do with disaster response is typed including Public Works (http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/508-7_public_works_resources.pdf).
I'd suggest contacting Foothills United Way to find volunteer options for the new fire in Boulder, or the Larimer United Way for the fire up by Ft. Collins.
Depending on where you live, the Sheriffs Department and Police Department often have volunteer opportunities too. For instance, Larimer County Sheriff's Posse (a division of their volunteers) was AMAZING getting my relative's livestock out of the High Park fire, then getting them taken care of at the Larimer County fairgrounds. Nice way to get on the inside with your local LE too if you're so inclined.
Beyond this, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army also help a lot during these things, and can always use volunteers.
And finally, many churches are very involved directly and indirectly helping with these things - although thanks to today's often anti-religious leanings of many people, they usually work through one of the other orgs like the Red Cross etc.
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