South Metro Fire Rescue

A big thank you to Jennifer Meckles with 9NEWS (KUSA) for highlighting the important work of our Incident Dispatch Team and helping spread an important public safety message.

When drones fly over emergency incidents, they create serious hazards for firefighters and can delay critical aerial operations. If you fly a drone, remember: If you fly, we can’t.

Firefighters warn drone pilots to stay away from fire zones Firefighters say when drones get in the way, it delays their ability to help the community.

At 6:05 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, South Metro and Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office responded to a confined space rescue near the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds north of E. Quincy Ave.

A 911 caller reported that an individual was in a confined space below ground and couldn’t get out on their own. When crews arrived on scene, they confirmed a person was in the underground location and required support from the SMFR Technical Rescue Team (TRT). A member of the TRT rappelled down to the patient using a rope system and put a harness on the individual to safely rescue them.

The person was evaluated on scene and transported to a local hospital by Sable Altura Fire Rescue. Two other people were on scene during the rescue and didn’t require medical assistance.

The incident was originally reported to be in South Metro’s district. Upon locating the patient, crews on scene determined the call was within Sable Altura’s jurisdiction. SMFR is committed to offering mutual aid support to our partnering agencies for regional collaboration and public safety. Thank you to Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and Sable Altura Fire for your assistance on scene.

Units assigned: District 1, Battalion Chief 4, Battalion Chief 5, Sable Chief 41, Ladder 34, Collapse 45, Hazmat 17, Engine 23, Tower 35, Medic 17, Medic 23, Medic 34, Sable Medic 41, Safety 2, MED 1, PIO 14, and IDT 30.