Front Range fire departments prepare crews and equipment ahead of gusty, hot day [Video]

DENVER — High fire danger across the Front Range Monday prompted additional preparedness from fire crews in the area.

“We’re looking at that weather,” said Brennan Finnegan, captain and wildland coordinator with West Metro Fire Rescue.

As we move into the summer months, gusty winds, high heat, and low humidity force wildfires to be top of mind for Captain Finnegan and his crews.

“We’re expecting rapid growth if any fire starts,” he said. “Best case scenario: no fire starts. Worst case scenario: as things dry out, winds increase. That’s the worst case where fires are just very rapid and hard to control.”

That requires West Metro Fire to be prepared for any possibility. The department has 17 fire stations; eight are designated urban interface stations and require an added layer of preparation on red flag warning days.

“Those eight wildland urban interface stations, anytime the crew is out of the …