Posted on 06/23/2012 4:34:32 PM PDT by American Quilter
A new fire is burning at the western edge of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a few outlying communities have been evacuated and more are on voluntary-evacuation status. The wind is light and to the northeast. The fire is being called the Waldo Canyon fire since it's in or near Waldo Canyon; it is also being called the Pyramid fire. The fire started around noon today and is currently at 100-150 acres, with no containment. Temperatures here are in the high 90s with light winds and humidity in the single digits. The conditions are extremely bad with no relief in sight.
God bless our firefighters and may He have mercy on everyone who is in danger from the fires that are ravaging Colorado.
I’m so sorry to hear that, mountainlion. Do you live there?
I am just over 10 miles to each fire.
The High Park fire has burned to within three miles of Fort Collin, CO; I just spoke to Doug Hutchinson, the previous mayor, and he says the townspeople can see flames from their houses in town. Containment has dropped from 65% to 40% in the past 24 hours; the fire jumped the Poudre River last night.
May God bless you and keep you safe, mountainlion.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department says the Waldo Canyon fire has two or three “heads” to it and is therefore spreading in multiple directions. They estimate it is now burning 1,000 acres.
Thanks. I have where two old forest fires were between the fire and me so I am fairly safe from that fire. The one in Estes Park got several of the airplanes and the reserve fire fighters so I think it is contained.
wow. I recall a couple summertime weeks at Fort Carson for annual training, when it snowed.
That’s excellent news.
Teams that fought the Springer fire are now begin brought in to fight the Waldo Canyon fire; a management team from the High Park fire is also being brought in. Currently the fire is on state and federal lands, and no structures are being threatened. The fire is only a short distance from the northwest edge of town, but not yet threatening the outskirts, though some evacuations have been ordered.
Yes, that’s happened in the past, but right now it feels more like hell. I’m directly west of Fort Carson, five miles SW of the Colorado Springs city limit in a rural area. Lots of 60’ ponderosa pines all over here, and a percentage of them are dying from lack of water.
Praying for all in CO. We live in fire country in SoCal. Arson should carry the death penalty in all cases.
Channel 11 is providing excellent coverage of the fire.
www.krdo.com
The newscasters are being clear about the fact that no one yet knows what started this fire, but all agree that it wasn’t lightning. Whether accidental or deliberate, it was almost certainly started by a person.
my 86yo father in law is in the voluntary evac area by Garden of the Gods and refuses to leave.... It may be a long night. We are on the far southern suburbs of Denver near Castle Rock, but a long way to dash down if he gets in trouble.
Thank you, Argus.
One of my work friends is less than a mile from the fire. She is trying to figure out how to pack up her long arm! (That would be my biggest worry if I was ever evacuated - how to pack the fabric, sewing machines and long arm) quilting is an illness :)
I pray there’ll be no need for him to leave, Mom MD, and that you can get here if (God forbid) you need to. The newscasters are being cautiously optimistic about tonight, since winds are projected to be light and switching to the north, which may slow the fire’s advance somewhat. Other good news is that there’s no projection of wind coming from the west tonight, which would push the fire right into town.
My heart goes out to your friend, and I hope she’s able to pack everything—and then finds out it was all unnecessary!
That would be the best possible result for everyone. He is 86 and doesnt drive at night and VERY STUBBORN. I know where my husband gets it! He is probably ok but I wish he would give in and come stay with us overnight.
Hit 103 here in Denver today.
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