RANGELY | Chevron announced more than $100,000 in investments in four Colorado emergency management agencies, including De Beque Fire Protection, Garfield County, Mesa County and the Town of Rangely, to assist after the devastation of the Pine Gulch Fire and other local emergencies.
The Pine Gulch Fire was declared 100% contained on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. Drought stressed vegetation, unseasonably hot weather and steep terrain allowed the fire to char 139,007 acres in Western Colorado, enabling it to become one of the largest wildland fires in Colorado history. Local emergency management agencies that assisted with battling the flames all identified a common safety issue: the lack of updated communications equipment.
“We were moved and amazed by the work of the emergency management teams from Mesa County, De Beque and Garfield County during the Pine Gulch Fire. We also work closely with the town of Rangely as a primary source of emergency response at locations and facilities in that area,” said Andrew Olson, Chevron’s Colorado Operations Superintendent. “By reaching out to all four agencies we learned of specific needs to update and upgrade communication equipment and are delighted to be able to help them make these essential improvements,” he explained.
In addition to the Pine Gulch Fire, these Colorado agencies assist in emergency management for small- and large-scale events. “Our 911 Dispatch Center is vital to our area in the event of a catastrophic emergency to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our citizens and the surrounding oil and gas fields,” said Lisa Piering, Rangely Town Manager. “Chevron’s generous gift will allow us to replace our current 15-year-old system.”
Special to the Herald Times
