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Wendy Rogers: Grateful for our firefighters







My heart goes out to the Flanigans for all that they lost early Sunday morning.

But I have to say “thank you” to Captain Hetrick and the Steamboat firefighters for their work in isolating the fire to this one house. This was a huge fire. I have never seen anything like it, and I was one of the anxious neighbors watching as the firefighters worked to control and extinguish this blaze.

There are a number of houses very close to the Flanigans’ home, all surrounded by trees; there could have easily been much more damage if the fire had spread. Later on Sunday morning, I was drawn back to look at the devastation and was amazed to see that there are no obvious signs that any of the surrounding properties sustained any damage.



I don’t know any of the Steamboat firefighters, but I know they are part of this community. I see them around town in uniform and in the Fourth of July parade, and I know they answer calls all the time to help people, much like the police. But I have been very fortunate and have never needed to call on them.

This incident was a reminder that they are there when we need them, that they come to help and risk their lives to do their very best to save the lives and property of other people.



I am very grateful that there were “eight on-duty” fighters who came as quickly as they could to this fire, and I am grateful that there were “seven off-duty staff” who were available and willing to get out of bed at 1 a.m. to come help also.

Thank you for all you do. I look forward to seeing you around town and at the parade and getting a chance to say “thank you” in person.

Wendy Rogers

Steamboat Springs


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