Delaware firefighters deployed to combat Colorado wildfire

The firefighting crew began their mission July 20. (Photo courtesy of the Delaware Forest Service)

A team of Delaware firefighters has been dispatched to Colorado to assist with efforts to contain the massive Turner Gulch wildfire, which has scorched more than 15,000 acres since it was sparked by lightning earlier this month.

The Delaware Forest Service announced that it deployed E-613, a newly built Type 6 wildland fire engine, along with a three-person crew from Blackbird State Forest.

“Providing out of state resources to assist states in need strengthens Delaware’s ability to handle fires in the first state,” said Kyle Hoyd, Delaware’s State Forester. “Our dedicated crew members train year-round to be ready for wildfires whether they are out west or in our home state. I deeply admire their dedication and selflessness and thank each of them for their service.”

The crew includes Engine Boss Sam Topper, and firefighters Aiden Binko and Tom Hairgrove. They began a 14-day firefighting assignment on Sunday.

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The Turner Gulch fire, discovered on July 10 during a red flag warning and dry lightning storm, has proved difficult to contain due to steep terrain, drought conditions, and hot, dry weather.

As of now, only 9% of the fire’s perimeter has been contained.

The blaze is currently being managed by the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1, after transitioning from the Upper Colorado River Fire Management Unit Type 3. Evacuations are underway in the affected areas.

Delaware’s deployment is part of a broader effort to support western states grappling with increasingly intense wildfires.

The Forest Service plans to continue assisting through the summer and into early fall, rotating crews to ensure continuous support and firefighter well-being.

Since 1996, Delaware has trained more than 600 wildland firefighters, who have supported firefighting efforts in over a dozen states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Montana.