fire on the mountain

So maybe you've heard--there's a pretty big fire raging right out of Colorado Springs.  The fire started last Saturday (two days ago now) in Waldo Canyon.  Waldo Canyon is just west of Manitou Springs and one of my favorite hiking spots.

I was at the Garden of the Gods Club when the fire started ;) and looked out the window to witness the first plumes of smoke.  The Waldo Canyon Fire has now burned 4500 acres, there are 600 personnel on the fire, and there is (finally) just 5% containment. Fortunately, no lives or structures have been lost.

The first view I had of the fire on Saturday.  Looking west from Garden of the Gods Club

trouble in paradise

The following photos were taken Saturday night from my boss Tracy's house in Manitou Springs, just west of Red Rocks Open Space.  We were on a hill, across Highway 24 from the fire.  I was using a 270 mm lens.  We were safe!  It was amazing to watch the fire in such close proximity.  There was a constant, orange glow with many flare ups on the ridge as new trees caught fire.

the view from Tracy's house Saturday night

flare ups on the ridge...I was a safe distance away!

homes and fire trucks to the right

Sunday night, I went down to the athletic fields at school to watch the fire.  I didn't expect to see much because it was so hazy from the smoke.  The sunset was amazing, and when it got dark, we were able to see multiple flare ups.  It smelled like a campfire.

Today (Monday), was clearer and less stinky because the winds have shifted.  The fire is growing wider north-south than east-west.  And it's growing more to the east than toward Colorado Springs.

I have had a few freak out moments...what will I put in my car if I have to evacuate and go home?  What do I really care that much about?  The fact is, as I have been assured by many people, that Colorado Springs will most likely never be evacuated.  The fire would have to jump a huge interstate (25), and that is highly unlikely.

To compare: the current High Park Fire in Ft. Collins has burned over 83,000 acres to date.  Ten years ago in 2002, the Hayman Fire burned 130,000 acres out of Woodland Park.

I've been up to the Hayman recently and while many of the dead trees still eerily stand, there is new life on the ground.  Wild flowers, grasses, and small shrubs are slowly making their way up through the destruction.  There is life after fire.  In fact, many trees and plants NEED fire for seed dispersal and germination.  This forest actually needs to burn; it's necessary for its health.  I have mixed, confusing feelings regarding this fire...

Some resources: 

• http://inciweb.org/
• http://www.geomac.gov/index.shtml, go to the GeoMAC viewer
• http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_20934186, interesting size/personnel/cost comparison