Thursday, June 28, 2012

Thursday's Wildfire Update

The fire is officially at 18,500 acres (approximately 29 square miles, or 75 square km). According to the mayor it has destroyed hundreds of homes; a more accurate count may be available later today. Containment is still at 5%.
These photos were taken early yesterday evening overlooking the Air Force Academy and the far northwest side of the city. You can see the fire getting into a housing development in this next one.
This last one gives a sense of how much is burning - literally miles of the front range around Colorado Springs.
At this time our house is still safe. Tomorrow I'll have a more normal, cheery post to put up for Scenic Sunday.
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16 comments:

  1. ClytieJune 28, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    Oh Al. While I'm looking forward to a cheery post ... I so much appreciate your coverage of the fires. I find tears in my eyes just looking at these pictures and knowing how many people have lost so much ...

    Hang in there, Colorado Springs!

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  2. Sylvia KJune 28, 2012 at 9:01 AM

    It is so frightening! Thanks for keeping us updated and I'm so glad that your house is still safe, Al! I continue to hold good thoughts for you and your family and your neighbors! Take care!

    Sylvia

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  3. ArijaJune 28, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    My thoughts are with you and all the people affected by the fires.Fires of that magnitude are so difficult to contain.
    Every time I see it on our news I wonder how safe you are. We too live in a fire prone area and lost everything in 1983.
    Just remember, life is the only thing that matters, so please stay safe.

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  4. ViolaJune 28, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    I am sooo glad to hear you are ok! :) but wow, what a huge bad fire! and several of them also! :/
    I hope there is nobody burned or died, but bad enough to loose their home for some of the people.. and the animals and birds in the forest, poor poor them..

    Still praying.. :)

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  5. grammie gJune 28, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    Hi Al...found you through a comment on Arija's blog...wow this is something that is hard to believe! I hear the news reports,can't imagine being close enough to photographer it!!
    I feel for the poor animals,but most that no one has died from this !!
    Stay safe
    Grace

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  6. Beth NiquetteJune 28, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Hi, Al--Just wanted you to know I have been praying for you and your family's safety--along with all the folks who've lost so much already in that fire.

    I'm so glad to hear you are doing alright--these photos are stunningly sober. Thank you for putting them up here on your blog.

    ((hugs)) I'm so grateful to hear you are alright.

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  7. TaniaJune 28, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    Oh, this is not good!! Glad you are ok, and we pray for you and this place.

    Thanks for visiting my place

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  8. Wild_BillJune 28, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    Absolutely crazy Al! I'm hoping fires are not the wave of the future for our more arid regions!

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  9. Scrappy GramsJune 28, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    prayers need to be said for your state!
    With Indiana experiencing such high temperatures and no rain, I'm afraid for us too.

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  10. MarilynJune 28, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Three small fires here yesterday. The storm came through and the lightning ignited the dry grasses. Thankfully they were put out quickly. I can not imagine the intense heat those brave firemen deal with, and then their protective gear must also be hot and so heavy. Continued prayers for all.♥♫

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  11. NaquillityJune 28, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    so glad your house is still safe. but your pictures make my heart ache for those who've lost so much. hope all else is well.

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  12. JanaJune 28, 2012 at 6:35 PM

    I try and keep up with the fire on the news as well as your blog and I am amazed that so much has burned and yet it is only 5% contained. Keep safe

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  13. RajeshJune 29, 2012 at 4:49 AM

    Wonderful captures, No one can escape natures fury.

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  14. sonia a. mascaroJune 29, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    Oh! Wildfire can be terrible! My thoughts are with you and all the people of Colorado.

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  15. Black Jack's CarolJune 30, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Hello Al,

    Thank you for keeping us updated. I continue to hold you, your family, the poor people in imminent danger, those who have lost their homes, the brave firemen and all the creatures of the forest in my heart. I wish it could be more!

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  16. LindaJuly 1, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    I am late to hear about this, having been away from contact with news for a few days. Sending sincere wishes for an improvement in the situation. I would send you our rain if I could.

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