Grand Valley Power’s board of directors unanimously approved a $15,000 contribution to the Snyder Fire Firefighters Benefit Account established at Alpine Bank to benefit the five firefighters and their families affected by the Snyder Fire. Four firefighters lost their lives, and one was injured while battling the Snyder Fire, which burned nearly 30,000 acres northeast of Glade Park near the Colorado-Utah border.

“Wildland firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our rural communities and lands,” said Grand Valley Power Director Janie VanWinkle. “We can never repay those who have given their lives in service to our communities, but we can stand behind their families and support those who have sacrificed so much.”

The Snyder Fire burned into Grand Valley Power’s service territory, directly affecting the cooperative and some of the members it serves. During the fire, Grand Valley Power de-energized lines serving a handful of members to protect emergency responders and property.