If you haven't, there's a big wild fire about 15 miles NW of our house and just outside the city of Fort Collins, Colorado... a short distance north of us.
It started on Saturday.
I saw a small plume of smoke on my way up to the Estes Park Wool Market.
There was a great view from the Wool Market and we could tell it was getting bigger each time we went outside to look...
By the time I got home Saturday afternoon, it looked like this...
It grew very quickly... 8000 acres the first day, then 20,000, then 43,000. It is still growing but not as quickly. The latest estimate is 46,600 acres.
This morning it looked like this...
Perhaps not so impressive, but you should be able to see mountains.
About 20 minutes ago, it looked like this...
The good news is that there are more than 1000 people working on the fire, several aircraft, helicopters and engines. They are making progress and have a current containment estimate of 10%. Some evacuated residents are being allowed back to their property... with proper credentials.
We are safe and expect to remain safe. It's smokey here. Everything smells like campfire... aside from our climbing tree which started to bloom yesterday.
Please, please, please, regardless of where you are. Please be vigilant with your campfires or fireworks, if you're allowed to have them. It is tinder-dry out there. As evidenced by the fact that the Hewlett Fire, also just outside of Fort Collins is still burning and was started a month ago on 5/14.
Friends who are closer to the fire have posted their perspective too: Independent Stitch. Fiber Fool.
I have been thinking about the proximity of the fire to your place, so it's good to know you're in the clear (so to speak).
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are safe...that smell in the air can be troublesome. I have met some of those firefighters, and it is truly a fight of high danger for them. Bless them all.
ReplyDeletehow scary! I've seen the alpacas that were evacuated on the evening news. How scary and difficult for the farm. HOpe you continue to be safe.
ReplyDeleteCara
We saw a wildfire from our home a few months ago, so I know the feeling. Scary Stuff. Stay safe all.
ReplyDeleteIt's true, being a firefighter is a very dangerous job. I am grateful for their work and say a little prayer every time I see a slurry bomber or fire truck go by.
ReplyDelete@Cara - a cria was born shortly after they were evacuated. The news people were talking about an alpaca and a horse that were each expecting any day, then the next day they showed a brand-new cria. Certainly a blessing during a scary time.
Glad you are safe
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are safe
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how different it looks depending upon the distance. Even just 6 miles farther west from our house, at work it looks quite different. Then the break out the scopes and we see it up close!
ReplyDelete