Colorado is currently under siege from multiple wildfires, covering land in almost every part of the state. While some have been burning for a while and are inching closer to being contained (High Park Fire in Fort Collins), others have just started (Flagstaff Fire in Boulder) or have taken a dramatic turn for the worst (Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs). "This is a firestorm of epic proportions," said Colorado Springs Fire Chief Richard Brown.
A friend of mine called me yesterday afternoon who lives in Monument and asked me if she needed to evacuate if she could come to our house. Of course I told her that she could and would be more than welcome whenever the need arose. But that phone call sparked in me an insatiable interest in the Waldo Canyon Fire that has been pervading my thoughts for over 24 hours now. I began to follow #waldocanyonfire on Twitter and have been checking it non-stop. This was the best way to get up to the minute information from Colorado Springs officials and those who were living in the area. It's been heartbreaking.
But, this almost-obsession with following this fire has made me come to an epiphany of sorts. For the first time since we moved here almost two years ago, I feel like a Coloradan. I don't feel like a displaced Californian. I feel a sense of ownership over this state and feel like the fiery assault is on my home. I'll always be "from California" and I'll most likely always call visiting there "going back home." But for the first time since we've been here I feel like this state is mine.
I told Stephen this in the car on the way to Chick-fil-a tonight, and he said "funny how it took a disaster to make that happen." And he's right, the timing is completely related. But, what I really think caused it was the fact that this disaster has destroyed or is threatening places that have meaning for me. This fire is putting into jeopardy places that hold fond memories for me and our relationship. And that's what makes this different. This fire is messing with things that are mine.
 |
| The entertainment at the Flying W Ranch |
 |
| Kip, Kathleen, Me, Stephen and Gram at the Flying W |
Thankfully, we'll always have the memories of these trips and some pictures, but the Flying W Ranch will be missed. The cowboys who sing there, the food and the family associated with it will always be in my heart. They plan to rebuild according to the owner and PR people, but who knows how long that will take. God bless them as they deal with the loss of their livelihood and the dream they had so many years ago. I hope the Flying W gets rebuilt quickly and is as successful and well-loved as ever.
The fire is also looming uncomfortably close to the Garden of the Gods. This is an amazingly beautiful area with giant red rock formations that I have been lucky enough to be able to enjoy with both sides of our family. So far, it's safe, but the mere thought of something happening to it makes me go all mama bear and want to run down there with a bucket and hose and start fighting the fire myself. This area has been host to some amazing memories and I'd hate to see even one rock tarnished by this fire, though I've seen photos of the smoke and ash surrounding it.
 |
| Garden of the Gods with the Rabons November 2007 Can you believe how young Matt and Rebekah look in this photo? |
 |
| Our amazing engagement pictures Taken November 2009 by Charlotte Geary at the Siamese Twins formation, Garden of the Gods |
 |
| Sandi and I at the Garden of the Gods August 2010 Within a month of living in CO, I was taking people I love to see the beauty of this place. |
 |
| My brother-in-law Dan climbing at Garden of the Gods August 2010 |
 |
| Stephen and Mom April 2011 |
 |
| Gram, Grandpa, Stephen and I May 2011 |
The fire has also come dangerously close to the Air Force Academy, which has been evacuated. If there's one thing you don't mess with in the eyes of this Air Force brat it's the good people of the USAF. Patriotism and supporting our troops knows no bounds so that fire needs to step back.
And so this is where we stand on the Waldo Canyon Fire as of roughly 9:30pm according to the El Paso County Sheriff's office:
"18,500 acres; 5% containment; 1000 personnel; 500 Sheriff/PD; 27 crews; 73 engines; 3 water tenders; 0 injuries"
What a huge blessing that no one has been hurt. With the amazing quickness this fire has spread (estimates of 2,000 ft. per hour up to 20mph with winds), it is truly a miracle that no one has been hurt. Praise God for his provision in the worst circumstances!
Colorado is not the only state on fire right now. Please continue to pray for those affected by the fires in Montana, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska and Nevada, as well as any that I may have missed mentioning. We need to pray for those evacuated and displaced, for the emergency personnel responding (from all over the States-- thank you for sending your finest to help in our time of need!) and those who have lost so much. Hundreds of homes have been lost and the livelihood of many is in danger.
This state has become my home and I'm not ready to see it go up in flames. While there is still so much of Colorado I have yet to experience, the peril facing places that I hold dear is enough to make me feel like a Coloradan. I've ordered a T-shirt from Wildfiretees.com to support the Colorado Red Cross and Care and Share. My first piece of Colorado paraphernalia (outside of Rockies or Avs gear). But I'm proud to call this state home and even more proud to stand in support and prayer for my fellow Coloradans. Who knew I'd ever get to this point. So, I've got three beds with clean sheets and ample couch space, ready for any evacuees I know who may need them. I pray that it does not come to that, but we're ready to welcome them with open arms.
