Colorado Waldo Canyon Wildfire
June 27, 2012
An explosive wildfire has sent 32,000 residents away from their homes. By Wednesday morning the fire doubled in size. Approximately 15,324 acres were burning with only 5% contained, said Rich Harvey, incident commander of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Predicted thunderstorms could make things difficult for our fellow fire fighters. Thunderstorms sound like a good thing but they bring strong winds that can squall in any direction. “That will make work for firefighters more difficult,” said Harvey.
On Tuesday, strong winds were up to 65 mph through the mountain canyons and they blew the wildfire through containment lines into the northwest. Colorado Springs also set a record high of 101 as firefighters persist with the cruel conditions including ash falling on neighborhoods and highways.
Gov. John Hickenlooper spoke about the Waldo Canyon Fire and told reporters it was a difficult sight to see. “There were people’s homes burned to the ground. It was surreal. There’s no question, it’s serious. It’s as serious as it gets.”
The flames are hazardously close to the U.S. Air Force Academy campus. An order to evacuate has been issued for about 2,100 residents in its Pine and Douglas Valley Housing, said public affairs officer John Van Winkle.
Six other wildfires were active in the state, according to the Colorado Division of Emergency Management.
The High Park Fire was the largest of the fires and it began June 9. It has now consumed 87,284 acres, said the U.S. Forest Service. By Tuesday, it was 65% contained. The total number of homes lost increased to 257. An estimated $33.1 million has been spent trying to contain the fire.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the Waldo Canyon Fire after Colorado Springs. Wood Hollow Fire has grown to 46,190 acres since Saturday afternoon. Containment was 15% with the help of FEMA who is providing funds to help fight the blaze. The Dump Fire which is west of Provo, stood at 5,007 acres and was 100% contained, officials said.
What are your thoughts about all these fires?
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