I wanted to share a few pictures of just how bad the High Park fire is that is burning west of Ft.Collins. The fire is about 45 miles northwest of me at its closest point. It's burning as far away as about 90 miles. Yesterday (when these pictures were taken) I woke up and it smelled like I was in the middle of a camp fire. Walking the dogs caused a lot of sneezing, and those with asthma and allergies are encouraged to stay indoors because of the smoke. I can't imagine what it looks like for people who live even closer to the fire.
Please keep all the people, pets and wild animals in your hearts. The fire is at around 46,600 acres and is only 10% contained as of this morning. There is no good rain in the forecast for the next few days. If you know a rain dance, please do it. Thank you.
I took these pictures just to the left of where the "Drag to change route" box is. I live near B and the fire's southeast corner is near A.
Normally, one would see mountains in this photo, but too much smoke. The mountains are about 10 - 12 miles from where I am in this picture.
Wow, that's a lot of land burning. They are choosing to let the western side of the fire burn because it's all forest and much of it is already dead from the pine beetles. That part is probably good to get rid of and allow for reforestation. It's the other sides of the fire that are destroying homes and causing a lot of problems. This photo is courtesy of 9News in CO.
Closer look towards the mountains, but still no mountains.
The haze was everywhere. You can even see it in the neighborhood - at the end of this street. By now I'm right by the BlogPaws offices and it really smells as the office is a little closer to the fire than my house, but still 40 miles away.
I wanted to share this on Wordless Wednesday because before I lived in CO I never really understood the impact of forest fires. This one started by lightning. There was nothing anyone could have done to prevent it, but so many are at a risk of losing their homes - many already have. There has been 1 death so far, which is 1 death too many. So again, please keep everyone in your thoughts and do that rain dance. Thanks.
