A recent inferno at a Colorado pheasant hunting preserve's kennel nearly turned catastrophic, but swift and courageous actions averted a larger tragedy. The incident underscores the invaluable role of preparedness and community support in facing unforeseen disasters, while also reminding us of the profound bond between humans and animals.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours at a facility northeast of Colorado Springs, saw a hunting guide named Dan Pohja emerge as a true hero, single-handedly evacuating dozens of dogs from the burning structure. His quick thinking and adherence to an emergency plan saved countless lives, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming danger, individual bravery can make all the difference. The response from volunteer fire departments further exemplified community solidarity, showcasing the critical support rural areas provide each other.
A Hero's Swift Action Amidst Devastation
In the pre-dawn hours of January 29, a fire erupted at the Rocky Mountain Roosters' kennel building, a pheasant hunting preserve located approximately an hour northeast of Colorado Springs. Fortunately, hunting guide Dan Pohja was sleeping nearby in his camper. Awakened by the urgent barking of dogs and the pervasive smell of smoke, Pohja sprang into action. Without hesitation, he quickly donned shorts and boots and ran towards the inferno. Following the preserve's emergency protocol, he systematically opened the kennel gates, successfully releasing all 30 bird dogs trapped inside the burning structure, a move that undoubtedly saved their lives. After ensuring the dogs' immediate safety, he promptly called 911.
Ben Garcia, a trainer and breeder who works with the preserve and kennels his own dogs there, hailed Pohja as a "true hero." Garcia elaborated on Pohja's crucial actions, stating that he managed to move some dogs into crates and others into designated holding pens, separating Labs into one and setters, pointers, and Brittanys into another. This organized evacuation, executed under immense pressure, was critical in preventing further casualties. By the time Garcia arrived around 1:30 a.m., volunteer fire crews from four departments were already on site. Tragically, one of Garcia's Labs, Muddy, had succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning before Pohja could reach him, marking the sole fatality of the devastating event. Another dog, Pinon, suffered severe burns but is now on the road to recovery, highlighting the fire's destructive power and the resilience of the animals.
Community Spirit and Future Preparedness
Scott Axton, the office manager for Rocky Mountain Roosters, reflected on the incident, noting the miraculous absence of the region's typical strong winds that night. He emphasized that if the flames had spread to the surrounding cedar trees or dry grass, the entire property could have been lost, underscoring the narrow escape. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the swift response by local volunteer fire departments from Calhan, Simla, Elbert, and Peyton was instrumental in containing the blaze and saving the 40-year-old hunting operation. Although the kennel building was a complete loss, the firefighters' efforts prevented a far greater disaster, showcasing the profound impact of dedicated community service.
In a gesture of gratitude and support, Rocky Mountain Roosters established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for these rural volunteer firefighters, recognizing their vital role and often limited budgets. Axton confirmed that the business's insurance would cover the rebuilding of the kennel, allowing all donations to directly benefit the heroic fire departments. Garcia further stressed the importance of rigorous training, particularly for crisis situations. He highlighted the necessity of crate-training dogs, not just for convenience, but as a critical safety measure that allows animals to feel secure and facilitates their evacuation during emergencies. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of how preparedness, combined with individual courage and community support, can mitigate loss and foster resilience in the face of adversity, reinforcing the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare.