Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Colorado is on Fire Again

Hello Dear Friends,

I hope you are all safe and well. I am doing good, but it is not a good time for Colorado. You may remember that last year about this time, I blogged about the Waldo Canyon Fire. That was a terrible ordeal. But we have had wonderful support in our community and the rebuilding and planting had begun.
My daughter and her classmates helped with planting new trees in the Waldo Canyon burn zone. May 2013.

But terrible news is that our dry state is in terrible need for rain. We have several wild fires burning out of control. The three major ones started yesterday and from most serious to least of these three in that order are the Black Forest Fire, The Royal Gorge Fire, and the La Veta Fire.
You can see the Royal Gorge fire to the left and the Black Forest Fire to the right of us. We took this panoramic picture last night view toward Pikes Peak. June 11, 2013.
Unfortunately, I am right in between the two largest fires, and by in between I mean that the Black Forest Fire is only a few miles away. It has grown a lot closer since this picture yesterday. It is affecting approximately 8,000 to 12,000 acres. This is a very populated and heavily forested area. Homes are about every 2 to 5 acres apart. The latest I heard Update on Black Forest fire: Preliminary reports show 92 homes a total loss, 315 homes still standing, 5 homes partially affected. This is the fire that I am most impacted with and I have the most news on.
Home burning in Black Forest Colorado, June 11, 2013. Picture courtesy of denver.cbslocal.com
As of today at at 5:30 pm there are around 9000 people directly affected by this fire. This means about 3400 residents or thousand of evacuees. 
School June 12, 2013 approx 4:30 pm
 Even my sons school was being fought to save over night by this furious fire. The fire is at present 0% contained.

Picture of huge fire plumes from my yard of Black Forest fire.
The air quality is not good for anyone. With record high teperatures in the 90's and 100's across the state and windy dry weather. No chance of rain until atleast Monday.

An aerial view of the Black Forest fire Wednesday. (Special to The Gazette, John Wark)
A pronghorn runs across a field Wednesday, June 12, 2013, while a helicopter from Fort Carson helps fight the Black Forest Fire. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
So if you could, please include the state of Colorado, the Firefighters and all the people and animals affected by these fires. Yes, there are a lot of horses and other farm animals as well as pets affected by this as well.

As far as the Royal Gorge Bridge, it has not been burned down but 3400 acres have been destroyed.

I don't mean to sound like a news cast, but this is impacting me and my State, and some of you I am sure. My prayers go out to all of us. I am so grateful that the Fire Fighters are working so hard, and that almost everyone is evacuating when asked. Yes there were some that didn't we will learn more about that later. I pray all are safe.

Bless you all, and I hope to have a much happier post nest time.

Blessings,
Little Susie Home Maker


21 comments:

  1. We just regained power here in Canon City a few minutes ago. The fire is close to the west edge of Canon City, but the town itself has not been evacuated or pre-evacuated. They did transfer over 800 prisoners out of the state penitentary on the west side to a pen on the east side - the main concern now is the local water-treatment plant. Buildings at the Royal Gorge have been destroyed, but the bridge appears to be intact. The bridge belongs to the city, and is a major source of tax revenue for our town; plus the tourism generated. Not a good sign for our economy, at this time. Hope you remain safe. We will do the same. Sally

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  2. Susie,

    My dear friend, I am praying for you, your family, friends and residents in Colorado. Please be careful and safe. Are you prepared for evacuating if necessary?

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  3. Oh Susie, how frightening! I had no idea you were so closely affected - I will be thinking of you and your family.

    Stay safe my friend.

    Big hugs, Estelle xx

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  4. This is so sad! Sending prayers your way. Be safe!

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  5. Susie that is terrible. My prayers for you state in this horrid fire. Yes stay safe. Hugs

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  6. I am praying for you and everyone in your state affected by these terrible fires. How horrible and frightening. Take care of yourselves!

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  7. I am keeping this area and everyone there in my prayers. I have a special place in my heart for that part of the country....and friends that live there! Take care me friend! Sweet hugs!

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  8. This is just so horrible. I pray that you are able to stay safe. I can't imagine how scary it must be. I really hope you get some rain soon to help things out a bit. Praying for Colorado!

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  9. O this is horrible, sad news. I would love to be able to house you and some families in need. But living in CA that is impossible, but I can pray for all. I do hope your family stays safe. Keep us all posted.
    Blessings to you.

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  10. Susie,

    It seems the country is in a lot of turmoil right now... I will pray for your home and safety. I will also pray that the fires are completly put out.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  11. Will be praying for God's protection. Keep us posted.

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  12. Sending prayers and hopefully rain your way! Stay safe, Laura

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  13. Our hearts go out to you and Colorado from Kansas. Our Son and family live in Buena Vista and we have been to the Royal Gorge a few times. Such a beautiful area for sure. Saying prayers.
    Ann

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  14. Aww Susie my heart and prayers are going out to y'all. Oh how I hope and pray for rain for y'all as well. Please stay safe and keep in touch.
    Hugs
    donna

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  15. Will be praying for everyone affected. I don't know how people can even breathe the air anywhere near there. I wish I could send our over abundant amount of rain back your way.

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  16. I am glad for the updates. I don't watch the news and hearing it from you is better anyway. Stay safe....Love ya!

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  17. Oh, Susie... I wish there was some way that I could somehow redirect the rain we've been having your way, but please know that you're all in my prayers, my friend. I can only imagine how frightening it must be to be so close. Please, please, stay safe and let us know how you are as time permits. Warm hugs to you and your family. XO M.

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  18. Hi, I heard it on the news. I do hope all will be well and the fires will be under control soon.
    I will be thinking of you !!

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  19. Oh My! I was thinking about you when I heard the news last week. Been too dizzy to look at the computer. I sure hope you're ok and will be praying for you, My Friend. Stay Safe!
    Lots of Hugs,
    Dru

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  20. Positive thoughts are with you all
    From the other side of the oceans...
    Best wishes
    Jenny

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