June 27, 2012
-
Fire (Updated)
Now Boulder is on fire, too. They evacuated several neighborhoods and NCAR already. There is a large cloud of smoke billowing in the air and my favorite local trails are burning. I will come back and post more tonight about this.
The Waldo 15,517 acres on fire in Colorado Springs, 32,000 people are evacuated. It is only 5 percent contained. The High Park Fire (In Fort Collins) 87, 284 acres burned – 65 percent contained. At least 257 homes have been destroyed in the foothills west of Fort Collins, including our friend @ThereWillBeDragons. The cost of fighting the fire so far is $33.1 million, and has been burning since June 9th. Last Chance Fire, 45,000 acres burned in 2 days.
Colorado is on fire, and these are just the large ones. There are smaller fires all over, and the cost of containment and property is devastating. Open Space Mountain Parks are all closed around here, no hiking. The area from Eldorado Canyon to the Flatirons are ablaze, and I know most of those trails by heart. I doubt they will be recognizable when this is over.
If anyone knows how, please send us a rain dance. We need one.
Comments (165)
omg! :/
i lived in colorado springs from 6th grade through high school and i can not recall ever having known about fires like there has been now
We have relatives in Colorado Springs. These fires are just awful–hundreds of homes burned and thousands homeless.
Oh my :O I’ll keep everyone in your area in my thoughts <3
OH MY! Keeping everybody in thoughts and prayers. I hope they can keep up with all the work required. Not good news at all.
Yikes. I hope it doesn’t get anywhere near you, and that it gets extinguished soon.
I am sorry to hear it. Stay safe!
holy crap.
My daughter and grandsons are visiting friends in Steamboat Springs CO. I am praying for their save drive home this week. I hope the fires all die down and no tragedy happens. Thinking of all the people in my prayers.
Well that’s a suck.
Not good!
Oh Dear! I’ll be praying for you & our future there,
Oh! Hope you’re okay! I have an uncle in Denver, but haven’t (yet) heard anything about fires from him. I know they have very low humidity most of the time so it wouldn’t surprise me.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Scary! Praying and thinking of you, praying for rain / fires to be extinguished/ people and homes saved.
Keep us posted when / if you can.
Its getting bad! I have pics of the fires in CO Springs and down in Mancos. Be safe out there!
I’ve never been so close to so many fires. It’s scary! These fires is messing up our tourism and ruining our property!
Malibu and Santa Barbara have had some really bad past fires. Basically there are some sites that never should have had homes built.
Nonetheless take care, hope everyone has had fire insurance paid up…..
Be Safe.
Hopefully they can put it out soon.
This is just awful
I hope no one gets hurt.
I can’t believe the fires happening lately, they seem to literally be spreading like wildfire. Now I have a closer understanding to the term. Stay safe and I’m keeping you along with everyone else going through these natural disasters in my thoughts. Sending positive energy your way dear!
I’ve been thinking about you and the fires — so sorry to hear this!!! You know what to do if they tell you to evacuate — GO — and be safe!!! No being a heroine and trying to save your house!!! I hope it won’t come to that, but fires are so scary ~ ~ ~ Having grown up in Santa Barbara, I’ve seen many of these, and it looks as if the entire West will have a nasty fire season this year…
That is all horrible and I will be sorry if Chautauqua and El Dorado are ravaged. I am going on the Channel 9 website, to see the latest.
best of luck, i hope you and your house are safe
how terrible.
I hope you’re safe
@godfatherofgreenbay - Yes, we are thank you. The fire is on the other side of town, to reach us most of Boulder would have to burn. Thanks for your concern.
@plantinthewindow - Right? I love those trails.
Not good at all…. my prayers go out to anyone in that neighbourhood!!
I’m sorry to hear this. I know how scary it was for us last year with all the fires here in Texas. Praying for some heavy downpour! Be safe!
@crazy2love - Right?
@buddy71 - I don’t remember anything like this either, but it is seriously making me reconsider hiking the Colorado Trail.
@ANVRSADDAY - I hope they are alright down there, so much devastation.
@xdeelynnx - Thank you
@MzSilver - Thank you so much. The firefighters around here are overworked, understaffed and exhausted.
@Unstoppable_Inner_Strength - Thank you so much
@we_deny_everything - Thank you, I will! It’s a good thing I have Salem to alert me of any danger!
@promisesunshine - Right?
@ZSA_MD - Thank you so much, I believe so far Steam Boat has not been affected. I will also pray that it remains that way until they safely return to you.
@HappierHeathen - No fire your way yet, I assume?
@Relic47 - I agree!
@Kris0logy - Thank you, as close to town as this one is I am certain they will contain it very soon.
@leaflesstree - Everything is terribly dry out here, so far I think Denver hasn’t been affected.
@my0615 - Thank you so much, he is doing a good job so far.
@YouToMe - Thank you for your concern and prayers, I will update this shortly and inform you.
@amyha819 - It is definitely tough on all aspects of our area!
@PPhilip - Thank you, I know our insurance is good so far.
@Shadowrunner81 - Thank you
@TheTheologiansCafe - They have to, Boulder is pretty expensive to let it burn!
@specialxplaces - Thank you, let’s hope those positive thoughts pan out!
@BoulderChristina - yes it may not be a good idea. come visit and see some of my new photos from the last couple of day.
@slmret - Thank you so much, it has been a dangerous year for much of the country!
@RighteousBruin - I will update here in a few minutes, but I am sure you already looked.
@heckels - Thank you, I think we are safe – it’s across town from us.
@buddy71 - I would be happy to!
@MommaFish89 - Thank you so much!
@MissNzisa - Thank you so much!
Yeah, it’s been on the news. I hope you’re no where near the fires…
@Zoz36 - Thank you, I am on the other side of town so I am safe!
that is just sad… prayers and thoughts to the people of Boulder…
I am so sad that the whole state is basically burning. I hope you don’t get evacuated. We are on pre evac up in foco again…
You are in my prayers and stay safe.
OMG, hope you are safe and that it ends quickly. Off to check the news.
bestest of safest wishes bc… don’t breathe the fumes – but do breathe deeply for the centering…
@BoulderChristina - So far there’s not been much fire activity this summer in this part of the state, west of the Divide and north of the interstate — but we’ve got a ways to go yet and it’s dry, dry, dry. Our local unit’s fire danger is listed as Extreme at the moment and seems likely to stay there for quite a while because it’s been windy and hot. It’s that time of year when my morning reading always includes the GACC SitRep…
Be safe.
Oh boy. Last year the huge fires in Texas were close to where I am. Good luck to all of you, and I hope that all of your property and everyone is safe.
I’m so sorry. Be safe, Lady.
@BoulderChristina - It has — and the season has only just begun. I hope things are calmer this morning.
@slmret - They seem to be, the air is much less smoky. I don’t have news of containment yet, but I am certain it will be extinguished soon. Thanks for checking in with me
@lanney - Thanks – no hiking around here today!
@WaitingToShrug - They are devastating, aren’t they? Thanks, I hope they put it out quickly.
@angys_coco - Thank you
@HappierHeathen - I hope no lightning wreaks havoc in your corner of the mountains!
@xplorrn - Thank you, I am pretty confident we will be ok.
@tribong_upos - Thank you, they are appreciated.
@voodoo_flower_child - I can’t believe how that fire is raging. Have you heard from Mark? (ThereWillBeDragons) I haven’t heard a word since he lost his home in the fire. I will be up your way all weekend housesitting, I hope we don’t get evacuated there and here both!
@Grannys_Place - Thank you, your prayers are appreciated.
@BoulderChristina - Thanks! The lightning fires so far have amounted to a whole lot of nothing, three ignitions but zero acres. It’s way too early yet for celebration — if something starts out this way we’ll be resource starved and it’ll get big fast.
I hope they get not just the fires near you but all the fires in our big region contained and extinguished quickly. Stay safe over yonder, huh?
that looks horrible.hope your all alright.
Stay safe, okay? Do you know if the airports are closing down or having delays? My mom & niece are traveling up here & have a layover in Denver. They don’t come down until the 17th but I’m still curious.
Btw is Pueblo okay? I had a friend that lived there.
@Mrs_FoodLover - The airports are fine and the closest fire to Pueblo is CO Springs. Hopefully no more spring up, and your friend’s home is safe!
These fires are awful, the air is full of smoke in every direction. Luckily I’m not terribly close to any of them, but I really hope you stay safe where you are.
@brrraaaiiins - It smells like a campfire sitting on my porch – it smells too happy to be as destructive as it is.
That’s just so heartbreaking. I hope you stay safe and get some rain, soon. My thoughts will be with all those affected by this. *hugs*
I am so sorry for all this. We are very concerned and praying for all who are suffering right now. I hope and pray you two are safe and will get through this horror.
The canyon and Flatirons will recover, as will the rest of the wilderness, though it takes so long, it seems. I saw the fire zone at Mesa Verde, and it is still so far from what once was. We must pull together as a nation to safeguard whoever is in danger.
@BoulderChristina - I’ve been smelling it from Lafayette, too :/
this is unimaginable. what is going on with mother nature? and if people set the fires … why? I’ll be keeping you all in my thoughts.
@plantinthewindow - It’s just so dry, when lightning strikes from a passing thunderstorm fires pop up all over. It’s sad, thank you for your support
@RighteousBruin - Thanks, Gary. We are safe, just sad and worried about the devastation and cost to the people in their paths.
@Megabyyte - Thank you!
I will be doing a rain dance for you.
@ShimmerBodyCream - Naked? Pretty sure that helps.
Wow. This is just so hard to hear about.
Our hearts go out to those who are affected by these tragedies and we hope that the rain strikes sooner rather than later.
Stay safe!
I’m so sorry…stay safe…the fires are awful. Last year Texas was burning…scary, really scary. Good luck.
Goodness…
{{{RAIN DANCES}}} Be safe. Thinking of everyone affected by these fires.
That is why I live on a ship in the middle of the ocean.
Just sayin’.
Mwuah!
Sail on… sail on!!!
@BoulderChristina - Yeah it is super crappy. The one in CO Spgs is getting all the attention but it isnt like that is even the worst one right now. Somehow people have forgotten the 250 homes lost up here. All I heard was that he is/was in cali after it happened.
Rec through comment since I already rec’d this.
Hope you are safe. I hear that the Air Force Acad. is closing. This fire is major, very major.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends. Please keep up posted. I’m hoping this is put out before anyone else loses anything more.
The farther away one is, the worse the news sounds! Just watched our news, and it sounds as if all of CO Springs and all of Boulder may be lost. I do hope that’s not the case, and that you’re still ok ~ ~ ~ !
Down here in Denver, I can see all the smoke clouds from most of the fires here in Colorado, excluding those in the high mountains. There were 2 small fires down here, but they contained them before they got too out of hand. Many family members from other states are calling myself, and my family in Idaho Springs, mostly in panic. If only the clouds that do form wouldnt be so scared of this heat… we would be just fine. Good luck to you over there, stay safe
Hope relief comes soon- be safe. There were two big wildfire incidents in my area that required mass evacuations during the last few years so unfortunately I’m all too familiar with this.
I’m sure they told you this, but a repeat never hurts – if your area is in a potential danger area, get a box and pack your most valuable things like your files, insurance, photos, checks, etc, that you can quickly load in a car and evacuate on a moments notice. Make a back up of your computer data and have it available to go as well.
Also make a survival kit that can last a week with spare clothes, toothbrush, washcloth, etc.
Most homeowners insurance will pay for you to have temporary lodging and will cover your hotel/motel expense in the event your area is evacuated – call your agent for details.
Praying for you! Stay Safe! Florida is awfully soggy from rain ~ if I knew how to send it your way, I would!
I will send you rain
How are you, Christina?
I traveled up through Boulder just two weeks ago!, on the way to Estes Park. I am watching with horror what is happening there, and praying. Hopefully a huge rain storm tonight. AL
Please be careful
high park fire is getting rain dumped on it!! smells like tons of smoke, but like fire being put out smoke
We have had lots of rain here, torrential downpours. I would send it all to you in helicopters if I could.
…and I live in golden. Guess we’re next.
I will definitely be praying for everyone… Wild fires are no small thing.
*hugs*
Praying for Colorado!
GET OUTTA DERR!
How terrifying and sad! There are no adequate words to describe this properly. I wish I knew how to send a rain dance! Please stay safe!
Sending you and your loved ones well wishes, and hoping that the fires will be extinguished soon.
@BoulderChristina – Take care dear. Hugs
@YouToMe - Thank you!
@Sheegwa - Thank you so much.
@Ampbreia - Thank you, I am optimistic that it’s getting a little better! Not contained in Boulder yet, but a little more in Fort Collins.
@FattiesGonnaFat - We can’t head for the hills!
@cerwindoris - Thank you so much!
@sonnigenmai - Chances are you are right… I love Golden! One of my favorite canyons!
@leaflesstree - It’s not quite fair, is it?
@voodoo_flower_child - I saw it went to 75 percent contained, the rain had to help!
@firetyger - Thank you, sweetie!
@runisom48 - Thank you, I will.
@pb49r - Thank you, it rained a little! The devastation up there is so sad..
@my0615 - I am good, I live on the other side of town!
@Aloysius_son - It worked! We had rain for about an hour tonight!
God keep you safe.
@SoullFire - We have all of our must haves ready to go, and luckily for us we have family close that we can go to. This is my first time being around so many fires and being so close to evacuation, so I am a noob. Where do you live that went through this?
@biggirlsdontcriyiyiyi - Thank you. I drove my husband to the airport this morning and could see the smoke from there, it’s almost as if you are in the center of it all!
@slmret - It is bad – 260 homes in Fort Collins lost already, and Colorado Springs has evacuated neighborhoods, too. We have evacuated neighborhoods and you can smell the fire from anywhere in town. The smoke makes it all hazy. I must be an optimist because I am pretty sure it won’t get Boulder, but that may be because it just started and is only 300 acres or so, not the thousands in the other places. I will keep you posted, and thank you for your concern, Janet!
@wyckdstorm - Thank you so much, I hope containment happens quickly.
@vexations - It’s a big deal, there’s no denying that. I have faith that it will be contained soon, though the wind and lightning today only made matters worse. Thank you for your concern.
@Shadowrunner81 - Thanks so much for your concern and support, Dan.
@voodoo_flower_child - I’m going to give him a call, I am concerned.
@dreadpirate - Don’t sail away without me!
@feyenigma - It must have worked! We did get about an hour of rain today, thank you!
@ordinarybutloud - Thank you!
@WintergreenNorthernWear - Your well wishes must have helped, it rained for nearly an hour today, thank you!
@BoulderChristina - Ouch — that IS bad! I know how awful it can be — the smoke is everywhere, the light is that of an eclipsed sun – you can’t escape it for weeks except by leaving town, and the residue is sooty dust in the house as well as outside. The fear that it will get you overnight can keep you awake for days! It’s so dry here that I’m surprised that we haven’t been hit as well — but we don’t have thunderstorms like yours. Do post updates as you can — and STAY SAFE!!!
@BoulderChristina - Wildfire Central- aka California of course. =)
Here’s a blog I made when they hit my area: http://soullfire.xanga.com/623336981/california-fires-update-3—some-imagesvideo/
@BoulderChristina - Head for the valleys?
@BoulderChristina - Hurray! I hope the fires can be vanquished very soon—wishing you all more rain and endurance.
@BoulderChristina – Welcs
Thinking of you. Praying for downpour of rain there and here. So dry here in midwest. Record dry for month of June for this area
since weather was ever recorded.
I am so sorry to see and hear of this devastation. :/
Hang in there. Hope there’s some relief in sight
You have my deepest sympathy. It’s devastating to see the smoke rising, knowing that your trails will not be the same in your lifetime. All you can do is keep your memories of those beautiful places alive. Six years ago the Emerald fire swept through one of my favorite lower elevation trails and today it is more or less recovered. Sadly the spruce beetle has damaged our forests in the higher elevations beyond recovery. The dead trees create a nightmare for forest management during the dry season, and it seems it’s always the dry season these days.
I saw where you might get t storms today. I just hope hope hope there’s a ton of rain!!
holy crap!! everything is so dry. we are camping this weekend and we cant even have a camp fire!!! ahhhh!!!
so i just had to stop by and say hello to my fav xanga girl that always makes on me. hope all is well!!
How are you doing, Christina?
Hey….so I’ve moved up to Estes for the rest of the summer until I sort things out. It will take a while to decide whether to rebuild. I’m fortunate that my work provided emergency housing. Be well.
Guess I’m too late to do my rain dance?
@Kellsbella -Not at all, make sure you send a video!
The fire in Boulder is 55 percent contained, and is expected to be fully contained this weekend. The fire in Fort Collins that has been burning for a month almost is FINALLY contained, and destroyed 259 homes. The CO Springs fire is 25 percent contained, destroyed 300 homes and has killed 2 people now, with 10 being unaccounted for. So your dance may need to go to CO Springs, but I will still enjoy watching it!
@ThereWillBeDragons - Glad to hear it, I was getting concerned. I am so sorry about the loss of your home, but I am so glad you are ok.
@my0615 - I am well, thank you for asking
@the_fur_pimp - What?!? You came on to say hello and I missed you?!
@YouToMe - Thank you! We did get a little rain, and it made a difference! Things are looking better around here, with the worst of it being in CO Springs now.
@judyrutrider - The spruce beetle is a nasty little critter, and it’s sickening to see the devastation they cause. I know you can relate to my mourning my trails, you are from wildfire country yourself. Thanks
@BoulderChristina – oh good! Im glad. Hope you get more, and them also.
It’s a horrible thing. Happened to my little town too. Be safe, Boulder Woman!!!