Pueblo emergency crews prepare Beulah for the worst

Emergency crews from all over Pueblo County practiced a wildfire evacuation drill in Beulah Saturday.

“The scenario is a wildfire is threatening a bunch of homes, around 200 homes is what we are trying to evacuate,” Pueblo West Fire Chief Brad Davidson said.

Crews said even though it is past the wildfire season, the heavy rain during the spring and summer has increased the danger of a wildfire in the area.

“The whole area around the mountain area is a threat just because of the dry area. We had an unfortunately wet summer and wet spring and everything grew up, so that enhanced our danger,” Davidson said.

People who were evacuated during the drill said it is good practice, but they hope it never happens.

“I’m thankful we are here for this, but I’m thankful it’s just a mock,” Beulah resident Darlene Redmond.

Pets were also evacuated during the drill. Emergency notifications were sent to the people who participated in the exercise to simulate an emergency.