Ordway, Crowley County alert to red flag warning danger

The red flag warning issued Tuesday for the eastern Colorado plains is something that experience has taught residents and firefighters in Crowley County to not take lightly.

Eight years ago, in mid-April 2008, the town of Ordway was evacuated because of a range fire, fanned by strong winds, that covered more than 7,000 acres.

Authorities said the fire damaged or destroyed 20 structures, including several homes in town.

Two members of the nearby Olney Springs Volunteer Fire Department died when their vehicle fell from a bridge over a drainage ditch that collapsed after being burned.

The victims were Chief Terry DeVore, 30, and firefighter John Schwartz Jr., 38.

Ordway Fire Chief Mario Rodriguez had just joined the volunteer department a few months before the fire.

“I was the first one to respond to it,” he said. “It came from the southwest, from a controlled burn that went out of control. Dry, windy, conditions just like today. The ditches were full of tumbleweeds which fueled the flames, We have the same concern now.”

Rodriguez said since the fire, the department has had more wildfire training and received donated equipment. The department has 19 firefighters and 6 vehicles.

“But we still need more,” he said. “And I’d like us to go to full-time firefighters. That fire burned for a day or so before anyone reported it. Fortunately, we’ve had more trouble with structure fires than wildfires so far. Homeowners have mitigated their property more since the fire.”

Elizabeth Reynolds said she was unable to get home from her job in Pueblo the night of the fire.

“It’s a miracle the town didn’t burn down,” she said. “I’m glad they saved the VFW hall. It’s the most popular gathering place in town.”

Rodriguez said the town keeps the fire in mind during every red flag warning.

“We didn’t get any of the snow Colorado Springs got last week,” he said. “It’s always drier and windier out here.”