Before & After: Fuel Breaks at Salida Water Galleries
In partnership with Colorado Firecamp, NCCC AmeriCorps, and the City of Salida, SAFPD crews completed critical fuels mitigation work around the Salida Water Galleries.
By thinning overgrown vegetation and creating strategic fuel breaks, this project helps slow potential fire spread, improving firefighter access and protecting the South Arkansas River corridor—a vital natural and community resource.
“Our goal isn’t just to remove fuel—it’s to manage it wisely,” said Division Chief Christopher Bainbridge. “By strategically keeping certain tree species and brush in place, we maintain root systems that stabilize the soil and provide essential shade along the riverbanks. This helps protect water quality, reduce erosion, and keep the river ecosystem healthy while reducing wildfire risk.”
Proactive mitigation like this strengthens our community’s wildfire resilience and safeguards both people and the environment before the next fire starts.
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Extreme foliage before mitigation efforts.
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Lighter foliage after mitigation efforts.
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Before strategic mitigation efforts to protect South Arkansas River.
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After strategic mitigation that kept specific tree species to protect the South Arkansas River.
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After strategic mitigation that kept specific tree species to protect the South Arkansas River.
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After mitigation efforts.