Colorado Springs Wildfire Grows To More Than 2,000 Acres (PHOTOS)

[nadinbrzezinski]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Wildfires moved in on some of Colorado's most popular summer tourist destinations over the weekend, destroying nearly two dozen homes near Rocky Mountain National Park and emptying hotels and campgrounds at the base of Pikes Peak.

A wildfire near Colorado Springs erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed structures near the mountain community of Estes Park, where many visitors stay while visiting the park. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office said Sunday that 22 homes and 2 outbuildings had been burned.

The two fires are among eight burning in Colorado a week before the Fourth of July, a key time for family vacations to national parks and other destinations. A statewide ban on open campfires and private fireworks has been in place for more than a week.

With Colorado midway through its worst wildfire season in a decade, travelers have seen some of their favorite sites closed to the public, obscured by smoke and haze.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/24/colorado-springs-wildfire-2000-acres_n_1622039.html?ncid=webmail1

No laughing matter, but how many times do we have to mention that more severe fires are also predicted by the rise in temperature?

Anyway... if you are in Colorado, especially NEAR these monsters, I hope you are listening to local coverage. Stay alert.

[nanabugg]

1. This is tragic. And I bet no RW homeowner will refuse FEMA funds. Nt

[PopYoColla]

2. isn't Colo Springs a bedrock of conservatism in Colorado??

I bet they don't mind a lil socialism now in the form of firefighters...

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. I "know" one who is now praying for the safety of firefighters

Yup...

But this is not, or should not be, political... but once the fires are out... I bet it will. Certain republicans will want to refuse FEMA funds from DC

[madamesilverspurs]

4. I live southeast of Ft. Collins.

We've gotten lots of that fire's smoke and some ash. With the other fires burning, just about any direction the wind comes from brings smoke. So far there's nothing burning east of us, but that's the only direction the wind hasn't been coming from. Breathing is interesting these days, almost like you have to chew the air before you can breathe it.


=

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. FYI if you know anybody with Ashtma

or any other breathing issues, keep them indoors.

I know it is kind of obvious, but these warnings have to always be given.

And stay safe!