ALAMOSA — Area firefighters displayed cooperation and dedication Sunday afternoon as they battled two fires called in within nine minutes of each other.

The first fire drawing out the Alamosa fire department was a brush fire on the 107 that consumed 60-65 acres, according to Alamosa Assistant Fire Chief Tony Bobicki. The fire began with a controlled burn that got out of control and took out a couple of fields and flared into some trees Sunday afternoon. Firefighters were called out about 3:25 p.m. and remained on the scene of the brush fire about three hours. Mosca-Hooper Fire Department, under the direction of Blaine Witherspoon, came to Alamosa’s aid with two trucks and eight firefighters.

Within nine minutes of the first fire call the Alamosa department was called to the 12 South, east of Highway 285, for a structure fire that started with the resident burning trash, according to Bobicki. He said that fire tested the training of the Alamosa firefighters who came through with flying colors. They worked hard to save several structures in the fire’s way, including the resident’s home.

The fire burned a couple of pump houses, but the firefighters were able to save the main well house, Bobicki said.

The fire also damaged contents in a metal shop, but firefighters were able to save a motor home, travel trailer and pickup as well as multiple barrels of oil. They saved the home, which was in the middle of all of it.

“We’ve got a really good crew,” Bobicki said. “Without our guys, the big shop would have gone. Our guys kicked butt.”

Firefighters were on the scene of the second fire for about four hours.

Alamosa called in the Monte Vista Fire Department, under Pat Sullivan’s direction, and 11 firefighters brought three trucks in from Monte Vista to assist with the 12 South fire. They arrived just in time, Bobicki said, since the Alamosa firefighters had gone through their oxygen bottles.

The Alamosa ambulance crew was on hand and treated some of Alamosa’s firefighters for smoke inhalation, but they are fine. Bobicki thanked the ambulance crew for being present and taking care of the firefighters.
He commended all of the firefighters from the local departments, Alamosa, Mosca-Hooper and Monte Vista.
“”We’ve got great people. We work really well together,” he said.

Between the two fires, there were 41 firefighters and 11 trucks responding.