Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The High Park Fire in Colorado

The only thing this massive fire just west of Fort Collins has done to us (so far) is make our house very stinky, causing me all kinds of coughing, congestion, and itching, burning eyes.

Here's what we experienced on Saturday afternoon. That's smoke from about 20 miles west of our house.



Sunday morning and again this morning, a thick haze blanketed the area around Fort Collins so breathing was uncomfortable and visibility was less than a mile. That comes and goes as the breeze changes direction.

Folks who live in the hills to the west of us, however, are suffering lots more than breathing difficulties. They are experiencing loss of homes and animals, and many are staying in the evacuation center near Loveland, Colorado. They need our help.

If you make donations to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, or the Larimer Humane Society, and specify the funds to be used for the High Park Fire evacuees in Colorado, you'll be helping a lot of folks.

For those who live in the area, you can follow the updates for evacuations and containment at the Larimer County Emergency Information site. If you're on Twitter, updates are posted @LarimerCounty.

10 comments:

liz young said...

That's scary, Patricia - hope it doesn't get any nearer to you. We get the same breathing difficulties, full hospitals and asthma etc with our calimas, but so far this year there haven't been any of the forest fires that can devastate a small island. Fingers crossed!

Helen Ginger said...

Wow, Patricia! It looks so close. My heart rate went up just reading your post. So, so scary.

Anonymous said...

I saw this on the news. How terrifying. I'm glad you're doing okay, and I'm sorry about what others closer to the fires are going through.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Scary that smoke is still twenty miles from you. Stay safe - prayers for you!

Cindy Keen Reynders said...

We can smell the smoke up here in Cheyenne and see the haze. So sorry this is happening!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

That is so scary and close?

Anonymous said...

Pat - Wow! I am so sorry to hear about what's happened! I know all about wildfires - too well. I'm glad you folks are safe and I hope the fire is contained soon.

loverofwords said...

Here in Castle Pines, Colorado we had to evacuate once, three years ago, but no houses were burned. We could see the pinkish haze from the Fort Collins fire here. Hope there will be no more fires but it's still early summer.

loverofwords said...

Still no good news about the fire and I notice that it is windy today. Thank you for being a new follower of my blog.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Pat - I read or heard about the fires and excess rain in the States - do hope those fires stay away from you .. but for everyone, people and animals, I do hope they can stay safe - with thoughts .. Hilary