Firefighter returns after deployment to Oregon fire

A Colorado Springs firefighter returned home after a two-week deployment to help fight a fire burning in Oregon.

Justin Meador recounted the challenges facing firefighters out west as resources are stretched thin to try to control all the flames.

Meador led as many as 175 firefighters on a given day during the firefight in Oregon. After hearing three firefighters were killed in Washington, Meador said he realized his team needed to take a step back, because firefighting became more dangerous as crews and equipment were shifted to help with other fires.

“We needed as many resources as possible so things were thin,” said Meador. “There aren’t enough people to make sure all the safety situations are covered.”

As he described the fire fight, he searched through a bag filled with smoky and singed equipment, pulling out a shirt with a new pin attached.

“We had a day where the fire blew up and could have overrun a handcrew,” said Meador. “I pulled them out just in time and because of that, the team gave me this cool pin. We don’t get stuff like that all the time.”

He attached the pin to the shirt he wears during wildland firefighting. The shirt was given to him by a former Pike Hotshot who taught him to fight wildfires.

“I’m confident I’ll keep it on my shirt, it means a lot to me,” said Meador.

Colorado Springs Fire Department has eight firefighters and a brush truck deployed to various fires burning in western states. Meador applauded CSFD for being “progressive” by allowing its crews to deploy to other fires. Meador said it gives firefighters a chance to learn new skills to bring back to Colorado Springs. He said it also encourages people to volunteer to help Colorado Springs in future emergencies.

Meador said when he arrived back home, his family had hung a big “Welcome Home” sign in his living room. While he is away, Meador said he keeps his family close by keeping pictures of them in the web of his helmet.

“It reminds me I need to be safe to get home to the folks back in Colorado Springs,” said Meador.

He said his dad inspired him to become a firefighter; his dad also worked for CSFD. He already wears his dad’s badge, which his father he passed down to him.

“It made me realize he was doing something to try and help people and I have always wanted to do the same,” said Meador.

Meador has been a firefighter with CSFD for 17 years.