ST. PAUL - Just one day before St. Paul Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich celebrates his 10-year wedding anniversary with his wife, Tracy, disheartening pictures of the community where they tied the knot are being plastered online.
On the evening of July 24, a wildfire entered the well-loved mountain community of Jasper. And while many specifics about the damage are still unknown, video and photos have surfaced, offering a glimpse of the after-effects.
"Personally, it is devastating to see what has happened to Jasper," said Kotowich, Thursday morning. "My wife and I do have a special place in our hearts for Jasper, as we got married there exactly 10 years ago tomorrow."
On that day, the Jasper Fire Department allowed the newlyweds to take photos at the Jasper fire hall and with some of their equipment.
"I have reached out to some colleagues from Jasper, and as of now the Fire Hall has not been affected," said Kotowich. "We continue to hope and pray for all those affected, and certainly pray for all those involved in the firefight to keep safe."
St. Paul firefighters will stay close to home for the weekend
When asked if the St. Paul department has been asked to help with the firefighting efforts in Jasper, Kotowich explained that a call came in at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening asking for structural firefighters.
"Unfortunately, the ask was to send them self-contained for three to four days, meaning we had to provide the food, water and shelter for them. Logistically, I was not in a position to release equipment and firefighters under those circumstances," said Kotowich.
Locally, the fire risk is also extreme, and the department - along with other fire departments across the County of St. Paul - have been dealing with several emergency incidents in the last two weeks.
"I will reassess again on Monday, and if there is a need we are prepared to send resources," said Kotowich.