04/23/2026
FIRE WEATHER ALERT – WHAT DEPLOYMENT LOOKS LIKE
With multiple counties under Red Flag Warnings and incidents like the Hammer Fire, many have asked what it means if the Front Range Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (FRvMRC) is deployed.
What triggers a deployment?
FRvMRC is typically requested through local or state partners when additional veterinary support is needed during an emergency. This may include large animal evacuations, sheltering support, or surge capacity for overwhelmed clinics and response teams.
What happens when we are deployed?
• A formal request is made through emergency management channels
• Leadership coordinates team members based on location, skill set, and availability
• Volunteers are contacted with clear instructions, reporting locations, and expectations
• Assigned teams deploy to designated sites such as evacuation centers, animal shelters, or field operations
What roles may FRvMRC fill?
• Triage and medical care for displaced or injured animals
• Support at evacuation and sheltering sites (small and large animal)
• Assist with animal handling, transport, and documentation
• Provide guidance on animal health, biosecurity, and welfare
• Support first responders and partner agencies with veterinary expertise
What should volunteers expect?
• Structured check-in and assignment upon arrival
• Integration into an incident command system alongside partner agencies
• Potential for long hours and rapidly changing conditions
• Emphasis on safety, clear communication, and teamwork
FRvMRC operates as a support resource—we deploy where we are needed most, working alongside local agencies to ensure animals and the people who care for them are supported during emergencies.