Rescues tie up fire resources

Posted: Oct 13, 2010 9:21 PM by John Romero
Updated: Oct 14, 2010 6:08 AM

Around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, fire crews make a high angle rescue at Garden of the Gods.

Four climbers with no gear got stuck 150 feet up on a ledge. After about an hour and a half all four were rescued with no injuries. But it had a big effect on the fire crews themselves. "We do have two crews." explains Lt. Carl Miller with CSFD, "Two companies, two fire stations taking this rescue."

Two stations were out of commission for a very preventable incident. It's an all too familiar situation at the popular park.

In a time where resources are already strained, every fire crew counts. "During this time we've had a number of calls in the general area that other crews have had to come and cover the calls that these crews missed." says Miller.

While the rescue teams realize situations like these are part of the job, they urge climbers to think before they decide to go up. "Get the proper training so that you can have fun with this sport." explains Miller, "But if you're just going to come around here and scramble on the rocks, then there are going to be consequences for that. Not only of injury to yourself but also with us having to come rescue you."