Torrington fire chief reports several grass fires, invites public to June fire convention; first-responder mental-health support cited

Torrington Fire Chief Luis Correa told the City Council the department has responded primarily to reports of grass fires in recent weeks and that most incidents were contained.

'We've been pretty busy. We had a number of calls, most of them being, report of a grass fire,' Correa said, describing two runs that posed additional concern: a fire just south of the Derby Club that 'got away from them a little bit' and a separate burn near Highway 92 that grew when the wind picked up.

Correa said damages were not large but noted the risk in residential areas. He also announced that Torrington will host the Wyoming State Firemen's Association convention and a multi-town competition in June. Correa encouraged the public to attend the firefighting competitions and associated meetings at the drill field south of Pioneer Park, noting the event includes training and association meetings that support department operations and reimbursement programs for training attendance.

Council discussion touched on support for training. Correa said the convention supports opportunities for departments across the state to attend courses and receive reimbursement for training costs.

Separately during the bills discussion, council members and staff described a first-responder mental-health program administered through contracts with local providers. Staff said the program is funded by a multi-year grant that runs through December 2026 and provides counseling sessions and at least one annual wellness seminar for first responders and some family members. The provider listed on the bills was Healing Connections Mental Health Therapy; staff said the first-responder grant reimburses those services.

Correa and council members urged public vigilance during the irrigation and burn season and encouraged attendance at the June fire convention.