Colorado Springs Fire

These were the scenes in my town yesterday evening.  We have over 30,000 people who have been evacuated and many homes were lost.  Personally, I know 4 families who live in the heart of this mess, 3 of whom still don't know the fate of their homes.  Landmarks have been lost, homes have burned to the ground.  The uncharacteristically  high temperatures and extreme dry conditions have only worsened the situation.  

After 3 1/2 days of the wildfire burning forest but not structures, a 65 mph wind gust pushed the fire up and over Queen's Canyon and a rapidly moving wall of fire came racing down the hill above this large subdivision.  Many of the residents in the area had been evacuated since Saturday, but those living in the area shown immediately above went from pre-evacuation status to mandatory evacuation Tuesday late afternoon and had very little time to get in and get their things.  As of now, there are no reported lives lost which is, in and of itself, a miracle.  Homes can be replaced, people cannot, so while we rejoice in that, we hurt for those who will have to start all over. 

My home is on the "right" side of the interstate.  We are safe and not too worried about the fire coming this way.  Regardless of this, I have friends who are displaced and uncertain as to the fate of their homes.  Our city has been deeply hurt by this horrible wildfire.  I hope you can understand that the posting of my pretty little pictures of my tschotskies seems trivial in comparison, so I will forgo that for a bit.  Please pray for the people of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas and, of course, for our brave firefighters who are enduring almost unbearable heat and fatigue to try and keep this monster at bay.  I will post again when it seems more appropriate.

Until next time,