Wildland Suppression Module

The Elk Creek Wildfire Suppression Module is the main wildfire suppression arm of the Elk Creek Fire Protection District. Established in 1948, the district provides services to the Conifer and Pine communities, unincorporated Jefferson County, multiple state and county parks, and parts of national forest. Started in 2017, an initial attack squad was formed to support the wildfire suppression capabilities in remote terrain and wildland-urban interface of the Elk Creek Fire District and cooperating agencies. Due to the local demand for specialized wildland crews, the organization quickly grew to the 10-person suppression module it is today.

Our Mission

The primary mission of the Elk Creek Wildfire Suppression Module is to provide a safe, professional, mobile, and highly skilled resource for all phases of wildland fire operations. As a full service organization we will strive to go above and beyond expectations through hard work and commitment to excellence. As a group we will persevere.

Core Values

Safety

• Above all else we will maintain the highest possible safety standards in all aspects of Elk Creek operations.
• Crew members are the most valuable resource Elk Creek Fire has.

Integrity

• Do what is needed and right when it is required or expected.
• Do your best and expect no less from those around you.
• Support your crewmembers and do more than your share.

Professionalism

• Perform each task completely, accurately and safely.
• Hold yourself and those around you accountable.

Honesty

• Be truthful, trustworthy, and forthright. Honesty strengthens relationships with one another.

Excellence

• Elk Creek will strive to deliver more than is expected while in station and on assignments.
• Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for all actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them.

Background

The Elk Creek Wildfire Suppression Module is the main wildfire suppression arm of the Elk Creek Fire Protection District. Established in 1948, the district provides services to the Conifer and Pine communities, unincorporated Jefferson County, multiple state and county parks, and parts of national forest.

Started in 2017, an initial attack squad was formed to support the wildfire suppression capabilities in remote terrain and wildland-urban interface of the Elk Creek Fire District and cooperating agencies. Due to the local demand for specialized wildland crews, the organization quickly grew to the 10-person suppression module it is today.

The Suppression Module is currently training as a Wildland Fire Module, with hopes to eventually certify as a Type 2 Module. This is a long and arduous process, requiring highly skilled crewmembers dedicated to improving and growing the program.

What We Do

The Conifer/ Evergreen area has been ranked as one of the highest wildfire risk areas in the country. The module is specifically designed to suppress wildfires in this environment while supporting risk reduction and mitigation efforts.

The Module's typical fire season starts in May and runs through the end of October. A shorter crew is kept on throughout the winter in order to respond to all-hazard incidents and perform additional hazardous fuels reduction tasks within the district.

Fire Suppression

The primary responsibility of the Elk Creek Wildfire Suppression Module is to respond to wildland fires within the district and across the country.

While the module is primarily formed to function as one highly capable unit, the crew maintains flexibility to act as separate squads or engine modules.

Wildfire Mitigation and Watershed Restoration

When not assigned to wildland fire incidents, the module designs, implements, and monitors landscape scale hazardous fuels reduction projects in collaboration with multiple stakeholders in the area.

The module also facilitates the community chipping program for the district. This highly successful program supports homeowner's defensible space efforts by providing an efficient avenue for slash removal.

All Hazards Support

Many of the crew members are trained in all-hazard and medical response. The module consistently supports the line staff on search and rescue and medical calls. Within the high risk wildland-urban interface environment, the module serves as an invaluable resource for the containment of structure fires in the area.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is a top priority for the module. The minimum standards for wildland fire fighting include:

• Passing the arduous pack test (3-mile hike with 45 pounds in 45 minutes)
• A 1.5 mile run in 11 minutes or less
• 30 push-ups, 45 sit-ups, and 5 pull-ups in under 60 seconds each.

While these are the minimum requirements for hire, crew members are expected to far exceed these standards. The module has a rigorous training regiment which includes but is not limited to:

• Trail runs up to 10 miles at 9,000 ft.
• Long hikes in full gear
• Weight training circuits
• Team based physical training