Mules assist Oak Ridge Fire radio technicians, provide gear to crews

(CUSTER/PUEBLO COUNTIES, Colo.) — Have you ever wondered how communication technicians set up radio repeaters for firefighters in difficult terrain? On Thursday, July 11, a pack of furry friends provided a lending hoof to crews at the Oak Ridge Fire.

A pack of mules made a special delivery and came to the rescue of communication technicians on the Oak Ridge Fire. During wildfires, technicians set up radio repeaters to provide a communications network for firefighters. These repeaters are often placed in difficult-to-access locations.

On Thursday, technician crews at the fire received help from district Resource Advisors and their pack string of mules—which consists of five mules and a lead horse—from the U.S Forest Service (USFS).

The mules were used to pack out heavy radio equipment from a mountainside to the west of the fire. According to fire crews, using the mules was a safe and efficient way to remove the radio gear from the mountain.

According to a previous Facebook post made by the USFS, pack mules are preferred because of their intelligence, strength, and agility. Mules have a short but strong back, more durable feet, better peripheral vision and require less food and water.

The USFS said pack mules are cautious animals and can each carry 160 to 200 pounds of gear. Since mules can travel almost everywhere, they are used to carry supplies directly to firefighters saving their time and energy for fighting the fire.

Currently, the Oak Ridge Fire is 76% contained and has burned 1,310 acres.

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