The fire took a turn for the worst yesterday afternoon and headed for the city. The whole northwest section of Colorado Springs was evacuated and much has already burned or is in the line of fire.
It got pretty freaky in the afternoon when the smoke moved in like a thick orange fog. Then all of the evacuation alerts started springing up. We live in the north east quadrant, east and west being separated by the interstate.
It's hard, this feeling of helplessness. All we can do is watch and wait, stay out of the way and hope for the best. Large lumbering C-130's pass overhead, but they look like houseflies next to the fire. There's the constant smell of smoke and pieces of falling ash in the air.
It really is surreal. We walked to "my" crosswalk last night and could see various fires "right there", stretching for miles. Favorite hiking spots, landmarks, homes, and businesses are gone this morning.
We've packed duffle bags for everyone along with other provisions and have it all sitting by the door should things get even worse. I'm just really thankful for the police and the firefighters. Without them, the devastation would be so much worse.
Chaco did a time lapse of Sad Tuesday from the backyard looking west:
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Sorry to be such a downer this morning. My heart hurts for Colorado.
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21 comments:
I hate to read comments on the thoughtlessly 'funny' side when something like this is actually frightening and a terror for those involved. "Smoked pork" really set me off this morning.
Stud and I are glued to the news, but they like to make catastrophic announcement for the effect.
That is why we're depending on your blog and - as retired firefighters - we know the possibilities.
If you can, the ONLY thing you can do is keep spraying your roof in case of sparks. The next thing is to grab your duffle bags and get the hell out of there. Go west and find a safe area.
My nephew's place is already gone.
That is so sad - there is still a car parked outside one of those houses!
Hope the interstate forms a fire break for you guys.
Given the amount of damage that these fires have caused in recent years, is there going to be some sort of fire break system set up around towns?
Oh my gosh, the devestation makes me cry. Thinking of you all and praying for safety!
PS I am pretty sure that the "smoked pork" comment was in no way meant to be funny - it refered to a post about pulled pork in another blog.
Thanks for the comments, and certainly no offense taken regarding the "smoked pork" as it does refer to the love of BBQ. Yesterday's post was written with some lightheartedness before the surprising turn of events.
No problem Rock. It's just with a history in fighting fires like this, it strikes fear in us and I shot from the hip. Sorry.
That's what I was referring to Abby. It can take a surprising turn of events and that is where my mind was taking me.
Thanks so much lotta joy. It sort of bothers me around here how some were taking it, in my opinion, a little too light - thinking nothing bad could happen, but it can. I'm loving you fire fighting people!
Tha video is amazing and terrifying!
Take care!
We've had KKTV streaming here most of the day. Your entry, along with Chaco's time la*se, sums it all much more succinctly, es*ecially for those not totally familiar with the local area. Ominous, much more so than I think most folks antici*ated.
It's so surreal. My boyfriend is down in Springs, it seems to make him feel better that he's able to keep an eye on his parents' house while their away.
So does mine.
May the Creator protect you from this. And may the Creator provide the rain Colorado so desperately needs.
I caught reports from your area on FoxNews last night. Surprisingly for Fox, they seemed to do a very sensible report, not panicing but certainly showing how bad the situation is.
Fire is a nasty thing - I don't see how anyone can be complacent about it!
Abby, I am stunned how this has turned worse. I was afraid with the conditions out there and the way the fire was running things might not be as ok as you let on. I'm really sorry I was one of those smoked pork commenters, I really didn't intend to make lite of the situation. Deep down, I've been worrying over about you and your family. We've had fires down here last summer and know how fast it can turn and how much devastation it can cause in the blink of an eye. I hope/pray you do not have to leave, but keep the bags packed, cars gassed, and keep an eye on the reports. I pray for you guys as well as all the people working hard to battle this blaze. Good luck.
this is awful. Thinking of you, your family & neighbors at this time.
No problem agg, as I mentioned, my cooking post was written lightheartedly and I took no offense from any of the comments. Incidentally, in my comment above to lotta joy where I said I was bothered how some around "here" were taking the fire too lightly, I was referring to some here in Colorado Springs, not the blog.
No one feels worse than I. :( I certainly didn't mean to come across as flippant and unconcerned. It's obviously devastating, and my heart is breaking for you all. You're in my prayers.
Have you left yet? Take any money possible, pets are #1, and don't forget your meds, if any. Laptop too, to maintain contact.
Oh my word how scary and sad. I can't believe it. I'm so sorry. I really hope you and your family are safe. Keep us posted when you can. Just take care of yourselves.
So sorry to hear the danger is so near you. Keeping the Normal family in my prayers. Be safe!
That video was horrifying! I can't imagine what it's like. Stay safe and flame free!
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