Four Dead in Colo. Wildfires Crash

By Associated Press ^ | June 21 2002 | By Associated Press

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Four Dead in Colo. Wildfires Crash

By Associated Press

June 21, 2002, 11:52 PM EDT

PARACHUTE, Colo. -- A van carrying fire personnel to a wildfire southwest of Denver crashed Friday night, killing four passengers, a state trooper said.

Colorado State Patrol spokesman Don Moseman said the van was from La Grande, Ore., and was carrying 11 people. It was part of a convoy of eight vehicles traveling along Interstate 70 en route near Parachute to the 137,000-acre blaze.

"We had a lot of distraught people out there," Moseman said. "Of course in a convoy, some of their group saw it happen. It was very rough for them."

The cause of the accident was under investigation but Moseman said it appeared the driver was momentarily distracted or possibly was reaching for something inside the vehicle.

Moseman said the others in the van had injuries ranging from minor to serious, and were taken to a hospital. He said some other firefighters and support personnel in the convoy remained in the area, while others continued on to the fire.

Parachute is about 170 miles west of Denver.

The 137,000-acre blaze has forced 8,900 people from their homes since it began June 8 and destroyed at least 79 homes.

Copyright © 2002, The Associated Press

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Tragic-- may He deliver peace to the families of those killed.

[Balata]

Thanks for posting this. I was just on another thread talking about this and many other things the National Media has incorrectly reported or not reported at all.

We have over 250,000 acres that have burned in out state and just under 200 homes have been destroyed by the fire. Of course the national media will be reporting this in a few days.

We had twelve homes in a gated community destroyed that were each "multimillion dollar homes". Of course it will get much worse before it gets better.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

May God Welcome them Home and comfort their family and friends.

[ladyinred]

Now will the woman they think started this be indicted for murder? I had heard people speculating that if anyone died she would be.
I hate this fire, Colorado is the most beautiful state in the country.

[Jrabbit]

Just briefly heard a mention of the fire near Durango on Fox News earlier. It was very brief! We plan to be in Pagosa in July. How close is the fire to there, if you know?

[PianoMan]

Of course it will get much worse before it gets better.

Hadn't heard that.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Pagosa Springs is about a 30-40 minute drive from Durango. I just LOVE that town!

[Drew68]

Now will the woman they think started this be indicted for murder?

I doubt it as they were killed in an auto accident that was not fire-related. Nonetheless, I'm sure it's on her conscience and she'd better hope and pray no one gets killed actually fighting the fire or she's even more screwed than she is right now (and that's pretty screwed).

[beckett]

Is this the same fire the Forest Service worker started?

[Balata]

At this time we have nine active fires in the state. The fire in Durango is north and east of the town and not close to Pagosa Springs.

However, highway 160 that goes through Pagose Springs is closed because of another fire which is relatively close. Currently things are changing in this state very rapidly.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Is this the same fire the Forest Service worker started?

I believe so. But, with the numerous fires there as well as here in New Mexico I may be confusing one for another, IYKWIM.

[Balata]

Is this the same fire the Forest Service worker started?

Yes, they were in route to the fire the Forest Service worker started.

[Jrabbit]

Thanks for the reply. This has got to be a nightmare for all in your beautiful state. With such a tragedy, you would think that the media would be on it 24/7.

[nimc]

"…auto accident that was not fire-related."

Yes, murder 2 could be charged. They were engaged in duties related to fighting the fire that she willfully started. She had special knowledge that such a fire would likely cause major property damage and threaten live. Oh yes, murder 2 is probable.

[beckett]

Thx for your response.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Now will the woman they think started this be indicted for murder?
I doubt it as they were killed in an auto accident that was not fire-related.

**A van carrying fire personnel to a wildfire southwest of Denver crashed Friday night**

See, my first thought was the exact opposite, using the fact that had she not started the fire to begin with, these firefighters would not have been there, etc, etc...

However, I am attemptimg to keep the names and locations of the fires straight, and could be completely wrong.

[Jrabbit]

We love Pagosa too! We have our family reunion there every year. I love my state of Texas, but am always envious of the people that get to stay when we have to leave.

[Drew68]

With such a tragedy, you would think that the media would be on it 24/7.

Actually, it'd be nice to get some local news that *was not* about the fires. That's all they talk about here. One would think the whole state is on fire due to the media.

Now the papers and the tv news are talking about the fire's impact on Colorado's tourism industry. Well Jeez! I wonder why?!?

Fortunately it is raining here tonight --though not nearly enough.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Ahhh...the Springs sure sound good about now...

[Drew68]

**A van carrying fire personnel to a wildfire southwest of Denver crashed Friday night**

I'm aware of that. However, the fire did not cause the crash and as mad at Ms. Barton as the whole state is, I doubt a jury would convict her for murder on this. If they were killed actually fighting the fire then that would be a whole different story.

This would be like blaming that fire in California for the wings falling off the slurry bomber.