National Guard Wildland Fire Training To Take Place Near Longmont

LONGMONT, CO -- The Colorado Army National Guard will be conducting live bucket operations with multiple helicopters out of the Ralph Price Reservoir with direction from ground resources on simulated fire perimeters in typical terrain in the Button Rock Preserve, according to a press release from the City of Longmont. Aircraft will land to attach water buckets, fly to an altitude of between 500-1,500 feet above ground level, retrieve water from Ralph Price Reservoir, and then deliver water to drop sites identified by ground-based firefighters.

During the exercises, some Button Rock trails will be closed. Visitors are requested to please respect closure signs. Areas adjacent to Ralph Price Reservoir may also experience high wind and noise levels during the training.
The training is currently scheduled to take place April 2, 5 and 9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The National Guard is coordinating this training with City of Longmont staff to ensure safety to visitors, wildlife and the environment within Button Rock Preserve. Although this training will create a level of disturbance for visitors, the city press release states that it is also a valuable opportunity for wildland firefighters to gain familiarity with Button Rock Preserve should a fire ever threaten the area, in addition to building skills for use across the state of Colorado.