On Thursday, March 30th, R1D5 ARES was activated by Elbert County OEM to provide communications support for the 125 Fire. This wind driven grass fire started near the intersection of highway 24 south and County Road 125. The fire burned approximately 1000 acres, took one structure, and caused the evacuation of the town of Simla. Simla is a small town of about 600 people. A shelter was opened at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa and R1D5 ARES was activated to provide operators at both the Elbert County EOC and at the shelter location. Fortunately, the 125 Fire began laying down in the evening and by 19:30 the fire was about 90% contained. R1D5 ARES was released from the Fire at 20:00. After being activated, R1D5 deployed four operators to the field with a total of eight R1D5 members supporting the incident.
