Photo: Missoula Firefighters IAFF Local 271
“The whole area is just surrounded in a thick layer of ash and burned trees,” Sink told theAssociated PressTuesday. “I didn’t think it was alive.”
Sink was deployed to New Mexico as part of a mission to help contain the nation’slargest wildfire, which has resulted in significant damage to some areas in the state.
On Wednesday, the blaze had moved across 486 square miles amid extremely dry and windy conditions, according to the AP, with more than 3,000 firefighters at work.
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“All across the fire, we’re making a lot of really good progress over the last few days,” incident commander Carl Schwope said at a briefing Wednesday night, per theAssociated Press. “We do have some more critical fire weather moving in … starting now and getting warmer and drier throughout the weekend. (But) feeling real confident that we are ahead of the curve on that.”
On Sunday, the Missoula Fire Department also shared the news of Cinder’s rescue viaFacebook, writing, “Our firefighters down in New Mexico with a heartwarming story! Thanks to FF Nate Sink for the account on this one!”
“I learned today that it’s common for cow elk to abandon their calves when stressed, during a fire for instance,” Sink said in a statement in the post. “This morning while patrolling a burned area I came across a malnourished and lethargic calf elk.”
“I carried her out to the engine and thanks to @lisab8181 was able to connect this sweet girl to a Veterinarian that specializes in rehabilitating wild animals, especially elk!” he recalled. “The most incredible outcome for such an incredible day!”
source: people.com
