TAMING THE FLAMES

I'm Christa, 18, from Colorado. This blog is expressly to post about my personal experiences losing my home in the Waldo Canyon Fire and about the Black Forest Fire and the fires that continue to ravage through our beautiful state. I DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT take credit for the name ColoradoStrong, it was coined and created by the beautiful Taylor Edgin as a nonprofit company to raise money to benefit firefighters and those affected by the fires. You can visit her website at www.coloradostrong.com and buy merchandise that will benefit Coloradoans in need! I just used the name because, well, I couldn't think of a better way to describe myself and those affected by these disasters. I can always find a new name if need be, but for now this is my place to share my story and the stories of others. Thanks for visiting!

[youknowyourefromcoloradowhen]

There have been people posting on instagram and what-not talking about swimming/playing in the flood waters. There have been deaths from these...

[bringontheflamesforgetthefame-d]

You know you’re from Colorado when…: Flood-grounds are not playgrounds

[wideawakeandhalfasleep]

Usually when there is a natural disaster, tumblr is all over it spreading awareness and yet I have yet to see a single post on my dash about what has been happening here in Colorado for the last week.

For those of you unaware, Colorado was pounded by several days of…

[coloradostrong]

Be informed you guys, and stay safe.

[coloradostrong]

The containment for the West Fork Complex Fire is up to 66% :) And still no structures burned! Damn, firefighters!! 

[coloradostrong]

Yarnell Hill Fire is also 100% contained!!! May the 19 brave souls it claimed never be forgotten. 

[coloradostrong]

Next installment coming soooon!! Also am working on getting into contact with BFF survivors to get their stories as well. :) Summer is coming to an end much too soon, hopefully I can get a good number of stories before I go off to get all educated and such. Thanks again for stickin with me :) -c

[coloradostrong]

East Peak Fire is at 100% containment! 

[coloradostrong]

It's hard to believe the West Fork Complex Fire has burned over 100,000 acres. Containment isn't even up to 20% yet, but with each rising percentage there's hope. The main concern is just all of the smoke pollution. Make sure you or anyone you know that's affected is taking the smoke pollution seriously!

[vurtual]

Full moon at sunrise - Colorado, USA (by dcstep)

[coloradostrong]

Part Two.

Traffic was hell. As we were going downhill, fire trucks and police cars raced past in the opposite direction. It seemed like as soon as we left the neighborhood, it was flooded with smoke. You couldn't see anything. The sky had an eerie glow to it that afternoon, the sky burning red like the blood of the two people it took. The roads were clogged with people evacuating and the smell of smoke was inescapable. The first place we headed was a place my mom worked, a rehab hospital. There was a suite there for doctors that had to stay overnight, so we decided to head there. There's a hillside right next to it where you have a perfect vantage point of the mountainside. I clambered my way up there only to find dozens of people who already had and were staring at the blazing mountain. I stood still in disbelief and horror, and my trance was only broken when cops started coming up and telling us we were trespassing private property. I ran back down and got a foot full of cactus on my way. I headed inside to find my mom who was trying to help with patients. My sister lives just down the road from where we were, so she met us there and we then watched the news on the floor in the rec room and just waited. I knew it was gone... seeing the footage of my neighborhood on fire, I just knew. I kept trying to call my dad, but reception was really awful for some reason and my phone was about to die. I kept texting my boyfriend who was not even in town at the time, who was urging me to get further away. He kept insisting that where we were wasn't far enough, and my anxiety started kicking in. Finally I got a hold of my dad, and I told him what happened. His first response? "Not true." I told him it was gone and he kept insisting that I couldn't know that, even though I saw the footage. Finally he apologized, and we got into an argument because he hadn't even been keeping up with the news here despite all the pictures of ever-growing smoke plumes I sent him. Eventually, I tried to just lay down on one of the mats they use. But then, the cat started wandering around the rec room and getting onto equipment, so I got up to get her when I noticed a bunch of commotion in the lobby. I looked outside and saw rows of people in wheelchairs and people calling out names and checking stuff off. I went out and asked what was going on, and the nurse told me the news I was dreading:

the facility was being evacuated. 

[michaelhayes]

Man, this dog.

[coloradostrong]

A dog watching the Yarnell Hill fire burn :(

[coloradostrong]

Flash Floods

Flash flood warnings are one thing not to be taken lightly, especially in the wake of a bunch of devastating wildfires. Once so many trees and shrubs that served as sponges of sorts to absorb and block the water are gone, it allows even seemingly small amounts of rain to move quickly down now-bare mountainsides. Today was an example of fairly serious damage done by a flash flood that came off the Waldo Canyon burn scar, destroying 3 homes and damaging at least 10 others in Manitou. If you live in an area near a burn scar, be prepared for flash floods at all times until significant vegetation returns to the area! Even if the rain seems mild, it could be worse wherever its coming from, which was definitely the case in Manitou Springs. 

[coloradostrong]

Gah! I'm always so humbled when I get another follower, it just makes me really happy that you guys are interested enough to follow my little blog :) And so with that, I give you the evening stats! 

West Fork Complex: 93,776 ac, 7% containment

--West Fork Fire: 56,517 ac

--Papoose Fire: 35,842 ac

--Windy Pass Fire: 1,417 ac

East Fork Fire: 447 ac, 15% containment

East Peak Fire: 13,572 ac, 95% containment

Ox Cart Fire: 1,152 ac, 95% containment

And, because it's definitely made the national news, Yarnell Hill Fire: 8,400 ac, 0% containment

Thank you all so much for following, stay safe and have a good night! c:

[thankyoufirefighters]

With the death of 19 Prescott Firefighters in the Yarnell Hill wildfire, yesterday marked the most deadly day for US Firefighters since September 11, 2001. Today, our thoughts are with the Prescott families, friends and community. We salute the brave and heroic actions of these Arizona firefighters and all firefighters- the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to protect our lives, homes and property. Please take just a moment today to recognize their bravery and sacrifice. Rest in Peace.

[coloradostrong]

If somehow you haven't already heard about the fire-related tragedy in Arizona, please read. I'm always blown away that people choose to put their lives at risk, and for these 19, lose them, all for the sake of protecting us and our homes. It's incredible. Full story here.

[thankyoufirefighters]

In Memoriam. 

[adamscounty2]

In Adams County, we believe in opportunity for everyone, even the animals! This is the Colorado House Rabbit Society where homeless bunnies come for a second chance to find a forever home. Without this operation, many of these bunnies would have to be euthanized.

[coloradostrong]

Also, a cautionary note to anyone affected by smoke from a wildfire regardless of state: if the smoke is so thick that you can't see more than 5 miles, STAY INSIDE. Smoke inhalation can be very dangerous, especially for those who have respiratory problems, are very young, or elderly. Until the fires are out, keep safe! :) 

[coloradostrong]

IT'S RAINING :)