| T O P I C R E V I E W |
kyro298 Posted - Jun 28 2012 : 11:55:16 AM
These are newly released photos of what happened the night before last:
http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2012/06/27/colorado-wildfires-waldo-canyon-fire-colorado-springs/5732/
"As the crow flies", the closest house to us burned was less than a mile. (We've finally spotted our home through binoculars)
They are still saying only 5% containment. I don't understand how they get those figures as the morning before this destruction, it was at 5%. Yesterday, the heavy fire was on the other side of the mountain but they're still saying 5%. I think the acreage tripled in size in 24 hours.
STILL NO INJURIES OR CASUALTIES (even with firefighters) that they are aware of. That is absolutely nothing short of a miracle. I don't understand it but I am so grateful. Granted, it isn't like they are having people "check in" from neighborhoods, so if there are people missing, not sure how they would know at this point.
Anyone wanting to help, I believe the link is www.helpcoloradonow.org
. If that is not correct, I'll come back and correct it. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
kyro298 Posted - Jul 11 2012 : 09:33:25 AM
Nothing new. They found where it started, I believe but they weren't really able to get in there like they wanted to until recently. I read something yesterday saying that although it's contained, the complete burnout might not be complete until December?? I don't understand these things, clearly. |
DoubleBogey Posted - Jul 11 2012 : 08:12:19 AM
Whooooooo hoooooo! I haven't been on as much and just saw this GREAT news!!! Thank goodness for the Colorado Strong FB page too. I am so happy that it's now 100% contained. I am so impressed with all the folks in CO working to support the firefighters and the business. If I ever move away, CO is on my list now! I am just ...going to move...kind of far from the forest. Any updates on the search for the cause/arsonist? |
Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 10 2012 : 10:51:03 PM
Thank you God!!!! Time to rebuild homes and lives. |
kyro298 Posted - Jul 10 2012 : 08:45:25 PM
100% Containment announced a few minutes ago...*exhale* |
Indigo Posted - Jul 09 2012 : 05:13:16 PM
Misplaced bear, walking around the new Goodwill campus in Colorado Springs. Amazing.
Bear Picture
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kyro298 Posted - Jul 09 2012 : 02:02:00 PM
It's donating money to the organization that gives loans to small businesses whose livelihood is taking a beating due to the fires. |
Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 09 2012 : 01:56:28 PM
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Indigo Posted - Jul 09 2012 : 11:33:15 AM
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kyro298 Posted - Jul 08 2012 : 09:01:00 PM
Awesome! If you look at the format on the document, we just need info like a logo (not necessary if you don't want), business name, donation being offered, contact info, website, email, etc... and expiration date. I'm not sure what kind of things you are able to donate so that's your call. We're just trying to focus on things that are fun, relaxing, small splurges and most importantly, free..anything that can help reduce some stress so they can take their minds off things for a little bit. Thank you so, so much! |
Indigo Posted - Jul 08 2012 : 08:45:41 PM
Absolutely Kylah, can do! Both of my businesses can make some donations as well; just let me know how. I will post your ColoradoStrong information on both of my business FB pages. |
kyro298 Posted - Jul 08 2012 : 07:58:34 PM
Jennifer, if you have any contacts you can share this list with (or if any of you have contacts here in the Springs), my daughter's ColoradoStrong page has these offers put together for victims:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HqJ72cFsZKm91tDTmD8k_QA_qiHQF6PAaX0AMwNW8os/edit
I'm sharing it everywhere I can think of so that they can be made aware. KKTV has shared it and I've shared it with all the news media.
For everyone else, if you're still following, we're at 98% containment. We've had a LOT of much needed rain the last few days. Unfortunately, now the burn areas have the potential for flooding so it's a pretty delicate balance around here. They're saying they won't announce it as 100% contained until there is no smoke for 24 hours. Almost all evacuees are back home. They let some more go home this morning. I think there are just a few streets where it's either too dangerous for people to return to or the utility company has issues with the gas lines. I know one of my friends is going to be able to go back to her home tomorrow morning to start sifting through the debris. I still haven't heard from the other two I know that lost their homes as well. I believe one may have left town. Can't say I blame them.
Again, so proud of our community and the way it's come together. We have a few losers that feel the need to prey on victims and on the kind hearts of generous people, but the good far outweighs the bad. If you have a few minutes, check out my daughter's ColoradoStrong page and see all of the photos we've been posting over the last week. She's had amazing response from people.
www.Facebook.com/ColoradoStrong
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Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 09:50:11 PM
Your right. Didn't think about that. |
Catman Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 07:19:51 PM
Lisa, they wouldn't let the lady go back to her house.That wouldn't be the greatest idea either, she was only home for a few hours when she saw the fawn so it wasn't confirmed that the fawn actually needed help. If momma deer is still around, it could get real dangerous for anyone that messes with her baby . |
Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 03:25:00 PM
Scott, could she not have brought the fawn to the road block to you? I'm thinking that may just be your only option. Sucky as it is. |
Catman Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 01:16:02 PM
I have sent letters/emails to the DOW and the wildlife commission. It's gonna take half the population of Colorado to contact the Division to get any kind of change :( They do have public request forms and public meeting for people to get laws and policies changed, but the meeting are held all over the state and there's no guarantee you will be able to talk. |
Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 08:43:40 AM
They'll come up with something such as 'Our hands are tied' or 'We are just following orders'. Why wait for Scott? Just contact them.quote:
Originally posted by DoubleBogey
UGHGHGHGHGHH! I had a feeling this was going to happen because of the general sentiment that was out there on DOW from what you have mentioned. There has got to be a way to get them to soften up and take some help! There are a lot of people here that care about wildlife...it's almost as if the citizens are going to have to step up and demand care for them. This is tough...very tough. Is there anyway to send in "concerned" commentary to DOW...I could write a very compelling "don't make me call the media" message to them that has worked in the past. Your call my friend.
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DoubleBogey Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 07:59:43 AM
UGHGHGHGHGHH! I had a feeling this was going to happen because of the general sentiment that was out there on DOW from what you have mentioned. There has got to be a way to get them to soften up and take some help! There are a lot of people here that care about wildlife...it's almost as if the citizens are going to have to step up and demand care for them. This is tough...very tough. Is there anyway to send in "concerned" commentary to DOW...I could write a very compelling "don't make me call the media" message to them that has worked in the past. Your call my friend. |
Catman Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 01:40:17 AM
Got my first wildlife call from the Waldo Canyon fire area today. A lady that lives 2 houses away from the mother-in-law of our mayor (Steve Bach), called about a fawn that was down. She was allowed to return to her home on Sunday for a few hours and noticed a very young fawn in her back yard, not looking to good. The National Guard had the road blocked off and would not allow us to proceed any further but contacted the CSPD , who arrived within minutes.We were informed by Officer Collins of the Colorado Springs Police Department, that the Division of Wildlife was in the area in "full force" (3 officers) on Sunday shooting the injured wildlife.
Colorado Sucks!
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Indigo Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 02:05:31 PM
Kylah, I keep thinking about Harry Truman at Mount Saint Helens who was interviewed before the blast and refused to leave. That is sort of what I envision this couple was like, if the rumor is true. It is indeed the only scenario that makes sense to me. There were people knocking on doors and getting people out, and there is no way I can imagine their door NOT getting knocked on and them being told to leave. |
Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 02:04:09 PM
Then they died as they lived...together. Rest In Peace elderly couplequote:
Originally posted by kyro298
The "rumor" is that they refused to leave. I saw some posts on one of the news stations from people claiming to know them a few days ago.
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kyro298 Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 01:51:01 PM
The "rumor" is that they refused to leave. I saw some posts on one of the news stations from people claiming to know them a few days ago. |
Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 01:35:16 PM
We just let ours go where they want and how they want.
As for the elderly couple, maybe they couldn't really move too fast and has no family or friends to help nearby. quote:
Originally posted by Indigo
I have only one thing to add that you all haven't already touched on.
How on earth is it that the elderly couple DID NOT get out of their home? It has been the topic of discussion with everyone I've spoken to the past few days. It is unfathomable that these folks were in that house.
I do have one Glider-related thing to share that might lighten our emotions 
My 13 1/2 week oop girl has decided she likes sleeping down my shirt,
so I really MUST read the forum and find out how you all deal with this.
Pouch? Extra bra? Special clothing? 
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Indigo Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 01:05:01 PM
I have only one thing to add that you all haven't already touched on.
How on earth is it that the elderly couple DID NOT get out of their home? It has been the topic of discussion with everyone I've spoken to the past few days. It is unfathomable that these folks were in that house.
I do have one Glider-related thing to share that might lighten our emotions
My 13 1/2 week oop girl has decided she likes sleeping down my shirt,
so I really MUST read the forum and find out how you all deal with this.
Pouch? Extra bra? Special clothing? |
Omis n Kais g-ma Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 08:59:57 AM
Kylah, it's not hard to get distracted and pulled into others pain. 55% is awesome. Someday you guys will look back and say remember the Waldo Canyon fire? And you'll say...don't remind me. I'm not surprised this is affecting you like it is. It's really hard to see what you are seeing. You may wind up with PTSD from this. We are here for you girl so journal away. quote:
Originally posted by kyro298
For anyone still wanting updates, we are at 55% containment! Hard day for those that lost their homes that were finally let back in to see them for the first time. I personally know two families that lost homes. My kids each know families as well. Emotional day all the way around. It's strange to finally see a few lights on over in that neighborhood finally. Only about 3,000 people still displaced and on mandatory evacuation and that's mostly because of utility and gas issues at this point. Considering there were over 30,000 of us almost a week ago, that's pretty great progress. So proud of and thankful for these guys working around the clock.
I'm emotionally drained after this week and am ready for a new week to begin. There's been SO much going on.
I know this isn't over but the progress is at least optimistic now. People like me will be able to start to sleep easier at night and not lay awake petrified every time the wind blows and run to the window to make sure there aren't flames out there 10 times per night, but feel intense heartache for those that will not. It's a very confusing state of mind to be in when you're so happy to have your home but feel guilty and sad for so many of those that suddenly don't...and you can see their neighborhood out of your window. I also never imagined the sound of wind could make my hair stand on end. Ever.
One of the people I know raised their family in that home and their kids are now grown and gone. That is where their children grew up and every memory was made. He was doing upgrades around the house and was looking forward to having grandkids make memories there as well. I have not been able to reach them and found out about their house the same way everyone else did...on the news or in aerial photos. Even worse, the original list of destroyed homes was published and theirs wasn't on it yet. I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions thinking your house is gone, then it isn't, then it really is.
ANYWAY, didn't mean to turn this into a journal entry. Just started "typing out loud", if you know what I mean.
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DoubleBogey Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 08:50:53 AM
55% containment is a HUGE step in the right direction! I can't believe how much that number climbs every day. I know it HAS to be quite an unsettling feeling for anyone back in their homes until it's at 100% containment.
I think I said this on your FB page - but there is no insurance policy that can replace those memories for people that have lost their homes. It's a horrible thought and an even worse emotional time for them. I can't even imagine losing everything. There is no way to quantify all of that. I am just devastated for them. Have there been any programs or support channels set up for them?
It's an odd thought but until you are in their shoes, it is hard to comprehend EVERYTHING they had in their house. The small things you wouldn't think of like bath towels, all the clothes they had, all the way to the paper towel dispenser or wine rack or even food that was in the fridge or pantry - in my house that could be upwards of $2000 (4 boys...we stock). My gosh, there is just no way to remember or quantify all of that for insurance....is there? I imagine no matter what...this will be a huge financial set back for many of them. I wouldn't think to put things like...the upgrades I put to cabinetry or a purse that I shelled out $300 for. Even in a new house...things like the toilet paper dispensers and towel racks that they bought in the past. It just wouldn't be on my mind right now and I feel like they are going to lose EVEN more in the end. Not that this is about money - but it does have a place as it IS important.
On a positive note, an associate of mine had her son out there in Manitou. I think I posted about him evacuating and his cat getting out. The cat was gone for 4 days. The guy went back to get him - and there was a black bear standing in his yard. He looked for this cat for 4 days. The excellent news is that his house was spared AND he found the cat yesterday - covered in sap with raw feet. BUT he is okay and back home. It is a huge weight lifted for him. All he would talk about was his cat and his Eagle Scout awards and memories that were in the house. His mom was mortified that his baby blanket from almost 30 years ago was burned. They are lucky.
Thank you for the updates - please keep them coming. I know it's settled down some because we feel like the risk is lessened. But the impact is still there and is not going away any time soon.
Sending more HUGS to CO and to you Kylah. I know this has been an awful time for you and your family. I am just elated for your children though. I can't imagine how good it felt for them to see their bedrooms and all of their stuff again! What an awful rollercoaster. |
kyro298 Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 01:48:11 AM
For anyone still wanting updates, we are at 55% containment! Hard day for those that lost their homes that were finally let back in to see them for the first time. I personally know two families that lost homes. My kids each know families as well. Emotional day all the way around. It's strange to finally see a few lights on over in that neighborhood finally. Only about 3,000 people still displaced and on mandatory evacuation and that's mostly because of utility and gas issues at this point. Considering there were over 30,000 of us almost a week ago, that's pretty great progress. So proud of and thankful for these guys working around the clock.
I'm emotionally drained after this week and am ready for a new week to begin. There's been SO much going on.
I know this isn't over but the progress is at least optimistic now. People like me will be able to start to sleep easier at night and not lay awake petrified every time the wind blows and run to the window to make sure there aren't flames out there 10 times per night, but feel intense heartache for those that will not. It's a very confusing state of mind to be in when you're so happy to have your home but feel guilty and sad for so many of those that suddenly don't...and you can see their neighborhood out of your window. I also never imagined the sound of wind could make my hair stand on end. Ever.
One of the people I know raised their family in that home and their kids are now grown and gone. That is where their children grew up and every memory was made. He was doing upgrades around the house and was looking forward to having grandkids make memories there as well. I have not been able to reach them and found out about their house the same way everyone else did...on the news or in aerial photos. Even worse, the original list of destroyed homes was published and theirs wasn't on it yet. I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions thinking your house is gone, then it isn't, then it really is.
ANYWAY, didn't mean to turn this into a journal entry. Just started "typing out loud", if you know what I mean.
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Catman Posted - Jul 01 2012 : 12:19:56 AM
quote:
Originally posted by DoubleBogey
Are you familiar with or a part of this organization? They have a plea for donations on the link below
http://www.wildforever.org/
Yep, I have been a volunteer for them since the late 90's. They are down to 2 rehabbers, one has stage 4 lung cancer the other one was diagnosed with Bird fancier's lung/pigeon-breeder's lung last year.Without wildlife rehabbers, they can't operate as a non-profit wildlife rescue. It takes about 3 years to become a licensed wildlife rehabber and they have to be trained by someone with a license(no ones being trained ). We have other wildlife rescue organizations scattered all over Colorado that I help when I can.
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kyro298 Posted - Jul 01 2012 : 12:06:42 AM
I still see smoke/flare ups day and night from where I am so in the grand scheme of things, it's still fairly close and our guard is not down by any means...and then they just said tomorrow's weather may pose a challenge to the fire lines. I hope that is just a general statement, not a warning. |
DoubleBogey Posted - Jun 30 2012 : 11:45:05 PM
Yep, I wasn't sure if he was affiliated with them or not. They look like they are getting ready for the effort. I was going to suggest he talk to them to band together for the wildlife piece...but it would appear he is ahead of me! LOL!
45% containment is STUPENDOUS!!! I think the original DOC was 7/15 right? If they are going up by 10-15% a day, they are tracking well! Bless them. |
kyro298 Posted - Jun 30 2012 : 11:12:59 PM
Scott is/was a transporter for Wild Forever. Is that what you were asking, Kim?
FYI...45% containment!!! :D |
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