Colorado Springs Fire Department tests new system on USAFA that is the first of its kind in Colorado

VIDEO: On Wednesday, CSFD tested a Fire Air Replenishment System (FARS) on USAFA that could save crucial time during an emergency. The new FARS system is the first of its kind in Colorado and allows firefighters to refill their air tanks without having to leave or go to the bottom of a building. “They can stay within those protected stairwells where the fill stations are, and it allows them an opportunity to refill the bottles there instead of on the floor, waiting for someone to relay the bottle to them,” said Jeff Hanenburg, Chief Fire Inspector for CS itFD. The system was installed at Hotel Polaris and fire officials say it will now be required for every new high-rise structure built in Colorado Springs.
KKTV CBS 11 Colorado Springs

Crews contain 2 fires in Aurora, save hawk injured by flames

Crews successfully contained two brush fires that were burning close to each other near the intersection of North Airport Boulevard and East 40th Avenue on Thursday, according to a release from Aurora Fire Rescue. The fires were reported at around 2:30 p.m. When an Aurora Fire engine arrived at the scene of the fire, crews noticed flames with a height of about 10-15 feet on both sides of a railroad track, according to the release. The fires were "burning in close proximity to one another," the release said. Thirteen fire units — including two engines and a brush truck from the Denver Fire Department — were involved in fighting both fires, Aurora Fire said in the release. A Denver Fire spokesperson said the department later reduced its response to one engine.
KUSA-TV NBC 9 Denver

Manitou Springs Fire Department honors 9/11 fallen first responders through Incline Climb

In what's become an annual tradition, Manitou Springs firefighters and first responders are taking to the steps of the Manitou Incline to honor the men and women that died in the 9/11 attacks 23 years ago. Reminiscent to the firefighters that responded to the 2001 terrorist attack, attendees will be decked in full firefighting gear as they climb the over 2,700 stairs to the top of the Incline. The hike is symbolic of the final climb that many first responders made up the steps of the Twin Towers. First responders will gather at the base of the Incline at 8 a.m. and begin the trek up the staircase following opening remarks.
KRDO-TV ABC 13 Colorado Springs