Last Tuesday I posted a photo and short video of a fire which were taken, Monday (June 29.) I learned later that the fire had just started earlier that day. What caught my attention is that it had a large plume of smoke going east. I mean LARGE. I thought it was a long cloud at first but I kept seeing unnatural shades of brown in it. It wasn’t until I saw the smoke and fire coming off the land as I was driving near Penrose, Colorado I confirmed it was a fire.
Fast forward to today, July 6, it has turned into the 7th largest wildfire in Colorado history. The most recent mandatory evacuations are three towns, Coal Creek, Rockvale, and Williamsburg. They are near Florence, about eight miles away from Cañon City.
The winds keep shifting and have expanded the fire in all 4 directions including north toward where my parents and I live. The fire in other directions has come under some control. (13% containment last time I checked) But the northern direction has gained some ground.
The concern is the ferocity of the fire in that area which was able to make gains despite the enormous fire fighting resources. In the briefings the heat, dry earth, and unpredictable shifting winds which get strong at times, and the enormous circumference of the fire diluting the efforts of the fire fighters were cited for challenges they were having containing it.
The factors which give me hope that the fire won’t reach Cañon City are, Florence, and many prisons stand between this city and the fire. Florence is not as large as Cañon, but is larger than many of the others in that area. It would be a logistical nightmare to evacuate all the prisons and Florence. Although I am concerned about all the people there, I know the fire fighters are prioritizing lives, so many resources will be used to prevent having to evacuate that area, which makes it less likely it will make it to Cañon.
I have sought out official and unofficial reports to understand the progression. By unofficial reports I mean geologists, and meteorologically minded people, with satellite software and knowledge who provide interesting insights. Through many sources I have tried to understand the movements of the fire so I can be prepared enough but not paranoid.
With all I know, I still don’t believe it will reach Cañon City, a view which is also at this moment shared by the local government agencies in Cañon City. However, I know the chances are not zero percent. It would take strong winds blowing north, but that could happen. In an unlikely set of events, I might be sitting with my parents and El Chapo in an evacuation center. (okay, kidding…) I DO hope if it comes to it, the prisoners make it out safely.
So regular life is on hold a little bit for all of us. No traveling south or unnecessary travel. The topic of the fire keeps returning despite our desire to be thinking of other things, and many of us, myself included are slowing down a little because of how the smoke is affecting us.
Thanks to the Alaska firefighting team who has come to help, and now thanks to Gavin Newsom who has sent equipment and firefighters recently from California. The enoromous surge of help both from inside and outside of Colorado has been heart warming. Humans! They make me bonkers sometimes but then in a crisis they come together and are so wonderful. They are another factor that gives me hope not only for this fire, but in general.
Meanwhile, I walk through the living room where a conservative news outlet is on and pundits bash the very man who might have turned the tides preventing an evacuation of this very household. Sometimes reality meeting political punditry is perplexing. It’s like FEMA bumping into the National Inquirer, and everyone ignores FEMA and goes running after the National Inquirer. …but I digress.
Well, that’s all for now. I’m doped up on sinus medication as I have been for days now to offset what the smoke is doing. This too shall pass. Hopefully, my next blog will be about something else because the fires are out by then, and evacuations lifted.
Oh and by the way….
Happy 250th birthday America!!!!
In one sense Colorado has had the biggest fireworks display ever to celebrate you!! It just wasn’t the kind we expected.