Here we go again...

[2FER SLOTS]

We'll keep y'all in our prayers.
I live with a Colorado gal and been watchin'

[waaytoomuchintothis]

The report I read earlier was badly done. What they were trying to say is that an extra 1000 houses have been added to the mandatory evac, and 2000 more are on the ready-alert. So far, 38,000 people are affected in and just outside of Colorado Springs. It is now officially the worst fire ever in Colorado.

[bkrownd]

Back when my dad lived in Colorado Springs proper in the 80's there weren't enough trees in the neighborhood to make a park bench.

[dreinecke]

I'm good thanks for checking. It looks like after a crazy afternoon of high winds, temps, and fire changing course that the fire is starting to lay down. Scanner traffic is much quieter now. Lots of crews refueling and getting food. Air crews and ground crews fought like crazy today. I'm hearing a ton of slurry put down to keep it out of my area. I'll have to buy those folks beers.

Just got the wife and daughter from the airport and happy they are home. Hoping this thing is done in a day or two. We've got some cooler weather coming I think in the next few days and chances of showers.

Sadly though, two folks were found in a garage of a burned house. The car doors were open and it looks like they were packing stuff into the car. Absolutely awful. Now you know why I pack early and don't screw around. That is just so sad. I always err to the side of caution.

[Ember]

Glad you're safe David. Always sad to hear of needless loss of life.

[LAMing]

I've been following this thread with great apprehension. So glad that "so far so good" for the Doc's house and household. What a terrible, terrible fire situation.

[LAMing]

It's been a while and no update from Doc.

You all okay?

[dreinecke]

[LAMing]

Thanks David for updating us.

Very glad the situation is improving.

[dge467]

Glad to hear you are alright !

[dreinecke]

Still getting emails about this from folks - thanks for checking in.

It rained a bit yesterday and apparently pretty good in some areas. Still a very active fire unfortunately. The update from last night was grim - now the count is 473 homes destroyed, and this isn't over yet. There is more rain forecast for this afternoon and the temps were way down overnight. That should hopefully help these firefighters out.

Today has dawned bright and clear however and I'm heading out to the Rambler Ranch for a little relaxation that is much needed.

One thing crossed my mind this morning: 11 years ago, the Hayman fire almost took out Woodland Park to the west of us and got as close as the backside of the front range. That year, at our 4th of July parade (@100k people jam Monument for it!), the fire departments from surrounding areas, the AFA, and the Div. of Wildlife always bring up the rear of the parade in a procession of trucks. Those guys have gotten massive ovations since. Last year it was even bigger after Waldo. This year will be absolutely nuts I'm sure. They have managed to save over 3100 homes. That number and their service will not be forgotten.

Stay safe, and I"ll post later when I have a better update.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

I suppose its remembering that fire that pops into my head when these things get close to you. My cousin's back yard (if you can call it that, she lives on the side of a huge hill, maybe a mountain), and about half of it was black when they came home. Too close.

[dreinecke]

85% today and about 85% of the folks that have homes are back. One area is still evacuated. We have been getting very brief rain every afternoon, but every bit helps.

Crazy stories coming out of this and the heroism is amazing. Actually having thoughts on selling and moving north (due to job), but not sure that this area will sell well. Also, I've done so much work to this place I hate to leave it.

[dreinecke]

I drove through the Black Forrest area on Sunday right in the middle of the fire area. Absolutely heartbreaking. Just like tornadoes in a trailer park seem to discriminate, the fire did too - took this house, but left the one next door. Other streets nothing survived.

The interesting and hopeful part is that the nitrogen in the soil now has kicked in and there is a beautiful green lawn under the burnt trees.