Posted on 06/26/2002 9:07:56 AM PDT by moondoggie
Nothing like sitting in the gym of a little mountain elementary school and hearing nothing but bad news from local officials, sheriff representatives, firefighters, and Forest Service employees to give a person a reality check.
Last night our community got together with all of the above to hear what pathetic shape the San Isabel National Forest is in and to NOT be optimistic about a fire not hitting our little town because there is nothing to be optimistic about!
So, despite what we thought were well thought out plans, the packet of information we received last night tells us we've got a good three or four days of work ahead of us just to be properly prepared to evacuate our home. If a fire comes before then we're in deep doo doo.
You all might be interested in what the Forest Service told us.
The San Isabel National Forest is in terrible shape, but since there's been no fire there yet, there's no plans to close it, but maybe they'll change their minds in a week or two.
Another important factor in the decision NOT to close the forest has to do with loss of tourist dollars. Yup...it also has to do with money. In other words, we don't mind risking the lives of thousands of people living in or bordering on the forest as long as we can keep those tourist dollars rolling in.
THAT comment was met with resounding chorus of "boos".
Whoa!...Where are you moondoggie?
I'm just outside the Durango city limits on the northwest off of US 160...Please get back to me.
FMCDH
We're in the south/central part of the state.....eastern slope. We're in the Rye/San Isabel region. Maybe you're familiar with Lake San Isabel or Bishop's Castle? We're about 8 miles from those locations.
Durango is such a pretty part of the state and it's heartbreaking to see what's happening there. Stay safe!
We're tryin' my friend...stay wet and keep the powder dry!
FMCDH
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