“Everybody knows somebody whose life has been impacted by wildfire,” said Rick Good, the co-owner of Border Burger. “Everyone should support [firefighters].”
To that end, Border Burger (934 Manitou Ave.) is hosting a crawfish boil fundraiser for the Southern Colorado Interagency Wildland Fire Team (SoCo) on Saturday, May 3, from noon to 5 p.m.
SoCo supports wildland fire operations and training for seven fire departments (Hanover Fire Department, Security Fire Department, Stratmoor Hills Fire District, Southwest Highway 115 Fire Department, Fountain Fire Department, and Fort Carson Fire and Emergency Services) in southern El Paso County. The team currently has about 80 members on call all day, every day for wildland fire response in the region.
Donations will go toward the purchase of firefighter gear such as backpacks, helmets, specialized clothing and fire shelters – a safety device of last resort for firefighters trapped by wildfires. Partner fire departments do provide gear to SoCo, but budgets are limited and grants and donations are needed to sustain SoCo’s mission.
Shane Coyne, the Superintendent of SoCo, said it costs about $2,100 to outfit one firefighter. SoCo hopes to raise at least $30,000 in 2025 to ensure enough personal protective gear, plus hand tools and other equipment, for the current team and to enable SoCo’s expansion.
The event will include live music by Tender Foot Bluegrass from 1 to 3 p.m. The lead singer, Isaac Brisk, is a firefighter on the SoCo team.
SoCo merchandise, including t-shirts, glasses, mugs, coins, patches and stickers, will be available for purchase. The SoCo mugs are made by local potter Mark Wong.
Special guests Miss Colorado Springs (Maria Composto) and Miss Pikes Peak (Danielle Weniger) are set to make appearances and rally support.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a raffle with prizes donated from businesses including Devil’s Reserve Jose Cuervo, Bristol Brewing Company and Eddyline Brewing.
To make a tax-deductible donation to SoCo, go to SocoWildlandFire.com, email SoCoWildlandFire@gmail.com, or scan the QR code.
