Reader Photo: Helicopter at Emily Warner Field used to fight Devil’s Thumb Fire
Penny Rafferty Hamilton/Courtesy Photo
Several aircrafts fighting the Devil’s Thumb Fire have utilized Grand County’s local airport. As of noon July 11, the fire is at 74 acres and 30% contained.
“This Chinook helicopter is the largest of the five rotorcraft temporarily based at Emily Warner Field -Granby/Grand County Airport,” stated Penny Hamilton, local pilot and Granby Airport volunteer.
Hamilton wrote that this tandem rotor helicopter, built in 1990, is considered a “heavy-lift” because of its capability. Its top speed is 186 mph and its cruise is 181 mph.
The pilots are refueling this firefighting tool which is based in Yellowstone, Montana, to continue their efforts to contain the Devil’s Thumb Fire, near Devil’s Thumb Park Trailhead, about seven miles northeast of Fraser.
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