First Due Gear

08/18/2026

Oh no..

URGENT REQUEST FOR PRAYERS and TRAINED SEARCH VOLUNTEERS NEAR WEST VIRGINIA

Mission Mules is coordinating additional resources to assist with an active search in West Virginia following the recent flooding along the South Branch of the Potomac River.

A woman was swept away in the floodwaters yesterday along with her two children. The two children have since been located, but the search continues for their mother. Search crews have been working since approximately 3:00 p.m. yesterday, and additional resources are urgently needed to support the ongoing effort.

We are currently seeking trained volunteers and organized search groups who are willing and able to assist with searching along the riverbanks and surrounding areas.

If you are part of a search-and-rescue organization or trained volunteer group and can respond, please reach out to Mission Mules as soon as possible. We are coordinating these additional requested resources with those on the ground.

This is a difficult and ongoing search, and every qualified resource that can safely contribute may make a difference.

Please share this post with SAR organizations and trained volunteers in the area who may be able to help.

To volunteer or offer assistance, please contact Mission Mules directly. 704-677-4685

08/12/2026

Rio Blanco Fire

08/10/2026

Rio Blanco Fire

Drafting water for fire response on the in Division M

Drafting is an essential method used in wildland firefighting when no pressurized hydrant is available, especially in rural or remote areas. Drafting is done by using a pump to create a vacuum that draws water from a static source; such as a pond, stream, or portable tank. Pumps do not “suck” water, they move it from one point to another. When drafting, the pump’s primer removes air from the suction line, creating a vacuum, then atmospheric pressure at sea level pushes water up through the suction hose into the pump. Drafting is a critical skill for wildland firefighting when pressurized water is unavailable or too far for resources to reach timely. Proper equipment selection, understanding of atmospheric pressure limits, and early priming are key to success. Some additional considerations for drafting include source accessibility, sustainability, and water temperature.

Considering the large areas covered by wildfires, fighting them uses relatively little water. Mostly water is reserved for cooling down hotspots -- from the air or ground --laying down wet lines as fire approaches buildings and infrastructure being protected, and during mop-up, to ensure that the ashes are completely cooled. The larger-scale tactic is to remove the fuel in front of a fire, which is what we mean when we talk about building hand line (sometimes only as wide as a hiking path) or dozer line (which can be the width of a road or greater): The intention is for the fire to burn right up to the line and then not have enough oomph to cross it, either with big flame height or by sending sparks over the line, starting new spot fires. Water is a fundamental firefighting agent due to its cooling properties, ability to smother flames, and effectiveness when enhanced with wetting agents, remaining a critical component in firefighting.

08/09/2026

Rio Blanco Fire update!

08/08/2026

Rio Blanco Fire

08/07/2026

Tough work! Thank you all for being here! Rio Blanco Fire

Good morning from the Rio Blanco Fire -- and it is a good morning: Residents evacuated from the Lower Blanco area will be returning home at 1 p.m. today!

Some property owners will find modified landscaping around their homes, courtesy of the firefighters who were preparing them for the fire that came out of Frio Canyon on Tuesday. Trees were limbed up or in some cases cut down, shrubs were removed, grasses shorn ... even wood piles were moved away from structures, and other mitigation actions were performed to prevent flying embers from igniting receptive fuels near homes. All of these actions were considered necessary for giving the homes their best chances of surviving, and it worked. Those firefighters didn't lose a single structure!

For property owners not directly affected by these mitigation efforts, this is what we mean by "creating defensible space". Learn more about creating defensible space around your home here:https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021_CSFS_HIZGuide_Web.pdf

08/07/2026

Phenix TL2 with Leather comfort package $800 if local, add shipping if needed!

08/06/2026

Right To Bear Fi****ms Training

08/06/2026

Rio Blanco Fire

One of the twenty-person crews working on the Rio Blanco Fire is Crew 307, a "Regulars" crew cobbled together from individuals across Wyoming and Northern Colorado. A Regulars crew is comprised of personnel from different backgrounds, including full-time firefighters, natural resources specialists, and in this case, some National Guard members. Joining a Regulars crew is a great opportunity for new firefighters to gain line experience and for seasoned crewmembers to step into leadership positions. Thanks to 307 for your hard work in tough terrain!