June 23, 2012

Estes Park on Fire

A small, but fast-burning fire began at noon today near the main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.  Despite burning approximately sixteen structures on High Drive, as well as adjacent forest and grasslands, it seems that the fire has been mostly contained.  hile we were at lunch we watched black smoke pour from the western part of town, although I didn’t have my camera with me to record it.  

Two helicopters from the High Park Fire, which has been burning near Fort Collins for two weeks, were quickly dispatched to Estes Park, and it was fascinating to watch them hover over Lake Estes and draw water into their tanks.  I had never seen anything like that before.

Our home is on the east side of town, and we were never in danger.  Nevertheless, the fire was a little too close for comfort for me.  It is scary to see how much of Colorado is burning, and it’s only June.  Triple-digit temperatures, wind and low humidity are only adding to the danger.  I’m afraid it’s going to be a long, hot summer.

Coming In to Fill the Tanks
Arriving at Lake Estes
Filling the Tanks
Tanks Are Full
Taking Off
Off to Drop Water on the Fire
We Can See the High Park Fire from Our Home

4 comments:

  1. Oh, I didn't like seeing the title to this post! Glad they have contained the fire. The firefighters and their equipment are quite something. Hope things cool off and get damp there. LV

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LV, I'm happy to report that the fire has been 100% contained. Unfortunately, 21 homes have been burned. The firefighters are the heroes this summer. I can't imagine how they do what they do. The weather forecast is not promising, but we can always hope for the best. Sarah

      Delete
  2. Did they get the fire out? I hope so. I know how scary. Fires can be. We have been evacuated twice. Love A

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A, Yes, the fire has been 100% contained. I know that you can relate to what we're facing this summer. I'm used to dealing with hurricanes, but wildfire are another matter entirely. Sarah

      Delete